Does Questioning Authority show a lack of respect?

Question

I don't mean Cops or anything but for example say your boss or even coach asks you to do something for them, If you come up with excuses such as I don't know if I can do that? or Are you sure you want me to do it? or I might not be good enough for that play? Does that show a lack of respect for them in questioning thier authority? Or does it just mean you don't trust thier judgment?

Answer 1

I seem to be a little different in my opinion as to the answer to this question. I have read the other comments and none seem to match my thought.

Maybe it's because I am a little older than most of you, or maybe it's because of where I live, but I find myself most of the time questioning authority. It's not a case of lack of respect and it doesn't mean that I don't trust their judgment. However what I am questioning is their knowledge. The "facts". Not an opinion, not a judgment, what are the facts !! I don't mean that in a nasty way, I want to learn the facts, the right ones that pertain to whatever it is. The written ones, the rules.
There are so many today that have been hired for a job, yet are in training or just pass the time away, and do not know what is needed for that particular job. Yet they can give you a full wrong explanation. I have nothing against the "new" people but what's wrong with saying: Sorry, but I'm new and I don't know the answer to your question but I will find out for you.
Around here, authority means that you knew someone to get you into that paid position. It has nothing to do with knowledge. You work your way up in a political sense. That's why I question authority.

Answer 2

You should always ask yourself the question if you're comfortable with what they ask of you. It doesn't matter who asks it.
It doesn't mean that you don't trust them. It means you're thinking with them. If they're good leaders or what ever, they will appreciate that. They can also learn from it.
When everybody just says yes, things will go wrong. Your boss is a human being like yourself and will make mistakes like everybody else.
So don't be afraid to speak up for yourself.

Answer 3

I guess it all depends on your attitude behind the question. If you say it in a rebellious, no-can-do kind of way, that may be questioning authority.

I don't think questions like these are an insult to the asker, but more to you. They illustrate that you don't have a lot of self-confidence. My advice is that you find ways to boost this up. If you feel good about yourself, you should feel good about any task that comes your way.

Good luck!

Answer 4

It really depends on the motivations of the questioner. Is it a knee-jerk response to any authority figure or command, or does that person think for herself?

Answer 5

It could be interpreted that you don't trust their judgment or question their authority and maybe you're doing both, but it sounds to me like you doubt yourself more than you doubt them.

Answer 6

It means that you don't trust their judgement. For the Coach part though, that may be a form of low self esteem.

Answer 7

Some prople really don't know what they are doing. The management industry stipulates that any mgmt. experience qualifies a person to manage anything ander any circumstances.
Not true.

Answer 8

no!!!!! say what ever u feel, dont kweep anything squashed in ure heart.. u wont get anywhere. im a senior manager working for a big solicitors company going into bankruptcy.. my job is to get this firm out of this..

Answer 9

no not at all. i think it's a very good idea.when safety is an issue,or morals;or when there is a doubt that the could be just wrong.

Answer 10

no. you want to the best outcome, and a lack of confidence in your ability will make you question a directive.