Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

Many people are under a lot of stress right now. One of the symptoms that come out in such times is an increase in conflicts and a decrease in the ability to remain polite. It doesn't have to be that way. It is not only possible, it is more effective to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable.

If you watched the US Presidential debates, you saw the success of disagreeing while remaining polite. You also saw the negative public opinion generated by being disagreeable during the debates.

Disagree Without Being Disagreeable does not mean giving up on your issues or points of view. It does not mean letting someone walk all over you. It simply means debating the merits of the issues and not the other person.

You may never be involved in a debate that helps you get elected President of the US, but the same principles are useful when competing with other supervisors for approval to hire more staff, when all department managers must make their case for "owning" the next strategic initiative the company undertakes, or when you have to explain to your boss why the layoff should not be as extensive in your department. You stand a much better chance of winning the argument and getting what you want if you can Disagree Without Being Disagreeable.