You may not be able to easily agree every time, but that doesn’t mean there has to be an argument.
Conflict…some people thrive on it, but you don’t have too!
In fact, finding best solutions and more workable ideas takes cooperation and open communication.
As a leader and manager, it’s your job to help team members learn how to disagree productively.
There needs to be some basic rules for keeping debates professional and on topic.
So…here are several of my
Positive Suggestions to Help Your Team (or family) Disagree More Productively:
• Be humble. Don’t lock in those heels. Respect everyone’s opinion and viewpoint. When you take the time to listen intently and receive the impression they could be right, it's best to open yourself to changing your mind and accepting a better idea.
• Stick to the facts. Stop interrupting and let people defend their ideas with clear, sound logic. Give them time to think it out and speak it out. Don’t let someone else win just because they can argue with rhetorical tactics or because they are being the loudest.
• Don’t make it so personal. Don’t ever allow name-calling, personal attacks, or questions like “How could you believe that, or How can you possibly think that would work?” Look for the best in your people (and family) and assume that everyone’s intentions are good. The more often you do this, the more often you can expect it to become that way. It’s called trust!
• Remember that you’re all on the same team. The goal of the conversation isn’t for one person to be proven right or to “win” the argument. The goal is to solve the problem at hand — together...as a team or as a family.
When it's appropriate, take the time to share these suggestions with your team and watch what happens.
The result will likely be that you accomplish more, in less time and with fewer conflicts.
Wouldn’t that be awesome!
Smiles, have a GREAT week and Keep Building TRUST...Mark