I'm looking for a word or phrase that questions authority but not to the point of open defiance. As an example:
Boss: I think my plan is the best plan and we're going with it.
Employee: Well, it may be the best plan, however, what about it makes it the best plan? What about other plans that haven't been looked at? Maybe we should look at them before making a decision.
In this scenario, the employee wasn't angry but also at the same time just didn't submit and go along with what the boss said (A.K.A. not a yes man).
Best Answer
I don’t know about single words, but perhaps you could describe such a person as someone who doesn’t take things at face value.