Never do "davka" to your boss

Davka (דוקא)  has no clear translation. "Spitefully" or "despite everything" may be the closest possible. Norman Geras struggles here to explain too. An example could be a situation when in (open and clear) disagreement with your boss you davka keep doing what you think is right. I don't think it's right (for you).

I've seen my colleagues and friends after not agreeing with the boss in an open conversation keep carrying out their own position. They don't succeed to convince the boss to change his mind and nevertheless continue pursuing their theory. By doing opposite to what the boss requires they sabotage his instructions trying to prove their own point of view. Needless to say it's dangerous.

First and foremost for your career. Very likely career advancement with your current boss will be put on hold rather soon. You'll build an aura of a stubborn and unmanageable employee that very few will want to work with. Regardless of whether you're right or not. 

Now I'm not saying you have to be a yes-sayer. Opinionated and confident people "davka" get visibility and earn positive reputation. I'm just saying that when the controversy is over you must follow the decision of your boss even if you don't agree. An option to resign (change the team, role, position, the boss) also exist. Use all your might and energy while the discussion is in progress but give up when the decision has been made.

The very last case is whistle blowing. An ethical problem or an illegal witnessed activity can be a cause to signal up the chain of command. It's a separate topic but before you whistle be sure you're ready to withstand the consequences.

Technorati tags: davka, boss, loyalty