Workplace conflict - How to argue like a gentleman.Workplace conflict . In the workplace people frequently get into debates and arguments but there is a right way and a wrong way…clearly one can help you in your career and one can ruin your reputation.Managers love a spirited debate amongst employees (though they are not so sure they want their underlings debating with them) and it shows them how people attack a problem. It is easy to acquit yourself well if you follow some simple guidelines: Validate your opponent’s viewpoint…seriously, you can and will disarm them in the process…they will be a little off balance but you are actually strengthening your position by doing so…example:“Yes, of course moving to a suburb is great for tax incentives, parking and more square footage…it makes perfect sense in many ways…however…after thinking about it…our company has always prided itself on tradition and stability and since we have been in this location for 59 years it seems like we would be sending a strong message that we like tradition as a marketing concept but in reality we scrap that entirely if something less expensive or easier comes along”. Validation is what makes debating different than your standard argument. Avoiding certain pitfalls will always make your classier than your opponent…. Be mindful of generalizations like “all” or “every”…there is little gain in such sweeping statements and it weakens the valid points you are making The slippery slope is another trap to avoid….example: “ I am afraid if we move to the suburbs people will hate us or forget us because only people that turn their backs on their customers would do something like that. If we move nobody will find us and we will have to start all over again and we will go broke and die penniless beggars” Ad hominem arguments are another surefire way to destroy your credibility! “people from the suburbs are like you..no wonder you want to go there..you don’t want to go to the city to business because you are stupid and lazy and just want to watch TV and shop online”In the heat of the moment tempers flare and things happen but unless people understand how to express their viewpoint they will be resigned to the methods that ruin their reputation...personal attacks, confusing louder volume with logic and a free for all with no regard for personal decorum.Perhaps one can still lose an argument despite their well behaved demeanor and presentation but they will favorably impress their bosses with their discipline and manners..as well as logical refutations without resorting to schoolyard bullying.I have seen people climb the ladder of success based on hard work and discipline…and people skills as well..it is up to you..do you want to engage in fairness and scholarly discussion or yelling and menacing? If you don’t know the answer, I bet your boss does. So easy does it with the passion and the fury because unless you harness it properly and control your urges it will brand you as unstable and not worthy of leadership. "Workplace conflict" written by Ken Bownes "Workplace conflict" blogHave A Story About This Topic?Share it! "Workplace conflict" - Most read articles |
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