[almata]

> I make sure to preface my suggestions to the team with, "Now, this is probably another terrible manager-idea, but how about we…".

Does this work for you? I mean, do you get more constructive criticism using this? I tend to think in real life we are programmed to agree with our managers most of the time. Have you received more sincere feedback when you start saying this?

[falsedan]

Yeah, it makes it easier for people to push back, disagree, or propose alternatives. Part of it is that, as a manager, I really shouldn't be making suggestions for engineering approaches, and I try to defuse the feeling of "my boss told me to do this" by explicitly pointing out that I'm usually wrong.

[taurath]

Just indicating that you are okay with being incorrect is enough to garner at least SOME contrary opinions.

[mamcx]

Probably if is a trend, instead of a single remark here and there..