I never have liked the term 'pulling rank.' We have a disagreement and I am the one responsible for the decision and this is my decision. 'My directions are' always sounded better than "my orders are." I served in a PC army and learned to play their games.

Rock, paper, rank. Rank wins every time.

There should honestly never be an argument in the first place. There is a difference between honest feedback and argument.

"We are doing C, then A, then D, and not even worrying about B."

"But, Sarge, If we skip B, things are likely to fall apart."

Not an argument.

"I have heard what you said, but we are still doing CAD."

Still no argument.

Anything other than acceptance and implementation would start an actual argument - and is unacceptable.

Old Army and I grew up with a NCO Father. You listen to your Officers and NCO's, then you make YOUR decision. You are going to be responsible for the results, so make sure it is what you want to do.