Sound Open When You Disagree
When you disagree, acknowledge their point, find something you agree on, hedge your claim, and use positive words.
Several studies, including real disagreements, show these word choices make people see you as more reasonable and want to work with you.
Why it works
People judge how open you are mostly from your words, not your intentions. A few markers make the same disagreement land softly.
How to do it
- Acknowledge: I understand that...
- Agree on part: I agree that...
- Hedge: I think, maybe, in my experience.
- Say what you want, not what you do not.
What to say
I understand you want to keep costs down, and I agree that matters. In my experience, cheaper hires in this role leave within a year.
You may be right about the timing. I think starting in March gives us a better pool.
Avoid
No, but... or That is wrong. These shut the other person down.
Example
A seed company CFO said agency fees were waste. Devendra said he understood, agreed fees should be earned, and suggested a guarantee period. The CFO agreed to try one role.
Practise it
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