Don't:

Say you disagree with the boss's plan. Avoid use of the dreaded word "but," which might make you appear as if you're negating everything the boss has said. Instead, use the word "suggest." It's a magic word in this kind of dialog because no boss bristles at a suggestion.

Let your emotions come into play. Don't present an alternate plan right away. Ask for a meeting to discuss the boss's objectives.

Do:

Start your meeting by asking what the boss wants to achieve and the reasons for these goals. Ask open-ended questions to probe further. Paraphrase what you've heard to make sure you got it. Thank the boss for the information and set a date for presenting your plan.

Link your plan to the boss's critical needs, including any personal ones, as well as you understand them. Step into the boss's shoes. Appreciate what's good about the boss's road map; you want to get your plan accepted, not prove the boss wrong.

Open the meeting by giving the boss the floor. You won't get the attention you need until the boss invites you to speak.

Present your plan enthusiastically. Make it clear that it's intended to achieve what the boss wants. Start with the bottom line, not with how you'll implement the plan.

Fill in the details only if you're asked for them. Keep it short; the boss is busy. job and the way you're judged as a professional. It's a particularly important message for those who may believe that technical know-how and a strong desire to succeed are all that's needed.