If you have been to a wedding recently, you might have been asked to write a note of advice for the newlyweds. Mine is always the same – master the art of disagreement.
Agree to Disagree
Agreeing to disagree is an important skill in any relationship, personal or professional. There are times when we need to listen to the other person’s opinion, respectfully express our own, and recognize when the discussion is not going to change anyone’s mind.
When to Try a Different Approach
This can be a challenge for those of us who are able to use our powers of persuasion quite effectively most of the time. It might be worth considering a different approach when:
- The issues aren’t black or white – exploring the gray area requires seeing the other person’s perspective
- Emotions are strong – calling a truce when things get heated can help us avoid saying things we will regret later
- The stakes are high – instead of creating a win/lose situation, honoring both sides can help maintain the relationship
That is the secret to the art of disagreement: focusing on the relationship instead of winning the argument. What if everyone tried that for a change?