Manager Zhao, yesterday in the meeting I directly voiced a different opinion. Was that too offensive?

I don’t mind you having a different opinion, but in the Chinese workplace you need to pay attention to how you express it.

In the U.S., people are very direct in meetings and don’t pay much attention to formality.

Here we prefer to communicate privately to avoid putting others in an awkward position.

Then how should I express it more appropriately in the future?

You can first acknowledge the leader’s idea, then give a suggestion. For example: ‘I have an additional perspective, would you consider it?’

I understand. Using a more tactful way will work better.

Next time we can review a similar case together, and you’ll see the differences more clearly.