Thursday, March 7, 2019

On winning respect in an argument


Have you been involved in an argument in your workplace? Arguments occurs in the workplace every now and then. It happens during meetings, lunchbreaks and discussions. By virtue of their senior status in the workplace these arguments are normally won by the person who occupies the higher position. 

But the fact is not everyone who wins an argument earns the respect of the person whom they’ve argued with. So, how does one win an argument and respect at the same time? There are four (4) ways that I want to suggest:

1. Don’t bully your way to win an argument. By virtue of their higher status in the organization many managers/leaders would try to bully their way to win an argument. They are usually successful using this bullying tactic. However, when it comes to earning respect of their subordinate whom they’ve argued with, they actually fail. Therefore, don’t use any form of bullying tactic during arguments.

2. Be mindful when the person whom you are arguing with is talking. Listen and be present, in other words; don’t be physically present but mentally wandering elsewhere.

3. Acknowledge the thoughts and ideas of the person whom you are arguing with even if its wrong. And then in a gentle manner put forward your own thoughts and ideas.   

4. Close the argument on a positive note by saying, “Thank you for your time and ideas or any words to that effect.” – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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