How to Disagree Like a Pro and Create Opportunities Like a Champ (in business and in life).
Few things are more difficult than forging strong relationships. Every relationship presents difficult challenges. Boundaries must be established and bad influences must be handled with care.
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Let’s face it. You’re going to have disagreements with others. You’ll never find another person that agrees with you 100% of the time. Whether you’re at work, home, or out in public, there will be times that you disagree with someone.
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Growing your ability to deal effectively with these disagreements is a pretty good use of your time. You can solve a lot of challenges and avoid many issues if you have effective communication skills.
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Check out how to turn disagreements into agreements
with the following strategies:
Decide if the situation is worth a disagreement. Time is our most valuable commodity. When it comes time to invest it into a disagreement, how much is that time worth versus you doing something more growth oriented and joyful? Take your time, focus, and energy MORE seriously.
Ensure that you understand what the other person is saying. It’s easy to misunderstand. Maybe there’s not a disagreement at all. Before you open your mouth, clarify what the other person is saying. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that there’s nothing to argue about.
Monitor your emotions. Notice when your anger is beginning to grow. When your emotions are running high, your ability to make rational decisions goes out the window. Either learn to calm yourself or walk away until you’ve cooled off.
Avoid making it personal. There’s a difference between saying, “I think what you’re saying is inaccurate” versus “Only an idiot would think that.” Address the words or behavior without attacking the person.
Choose the right time to raise a concern. A family reunion isn’t the right time to address the household budget. Be reasonable and give some warning if possible. “I’d like to discuss the issue between you and my sister. Can we talk about it tonight?”
Agree on the purpose of the disagreement. Is the purpose to be right or to determine the truth? Or is the purpose to find a common middle ground? If you both have the same objective, it will be much easier to find a solution that makes both of you happy.
Allow the other person to save face. If someone backs themselves into a corner, give them a chance to get out without losing face. Practice kindness. Give everyone enough space to avoid feeling embarrassed.
The world is full of people, and it isn’t always possible to get along with them 100% of the time. Disagreements WILL happen and each disagreement is an OPPORTUNITY to improve or degrade a relationship.