There will always be people with different ideas at work, no matter what business they work in or how big the company is. In fact, different thoughts and points of view can often lead to better results and help people make better decisions. But it can be hard to deal with different points of view, especially when feelings are involved. You can get through these situations without hurting your opponent or hurting your working relationships if you use the following tactics.
Pay attention: When people have different ideas, the first thing to do is to listen to what the other person has to say. This means putting aside your own biases and assumptions and really trying to understand where the other person is coming from. Ask open-ended questions to get the other person to explain why they think the way they do and clear up any confusion.
Honour differences: It’s important to remember that everyone has a different point of view and different experiences that shape their ideas. Even if you don’t agree with someone, you should still accept their right to think the way they do. Don’t make fun of or ignore their point of view, as this can quickly make the situation worse.
Find a way to agree: Even though you have different ideas, you may agree on some things that you can build on. Look for things you both have in common and try to focus on ways you can work together towards a common goal. This can help people work together and treat each other with care.
Avoid personal attacks: When people have different ideas, it’s easy for feelings to get stirred up. But it’s important not to attack people personally or get protective. Stick to the facts and don’t try to attack the other person’s character or reasons for doing something. Remember that the goal is to find a solution that works for everyone, not to show that you are right.
Stay calm: If you feel yourself getting upset or angry, take a step back and give yourself some time to cool down. Deep breathing, going for a walk, or just taking a break can help to calm you down and give you a clear head for the talk.
Find a middle ground: If you can’t agree on something, try to find a middle ground that both sides can live with. This could mean finding a place in the middle or coming up with an answer that takes parts from both points of view. Be willing to change your mind and be flexible so you can find an answer that works for everyone.
Follow Up: Make sure to check in with the other person after the talk to make sure you’re both on the same page. Thank them for their ideas, and go over any decisions or deals that were made. This can help make the friendship stronger and build trust for the future.
Dealing with people who have different ideas can be hard, but it’s an important part of working as a team. By carefully listening, respecting differences, finding common ground, avoiding personal attacks, staying calm, finding a compromise, and following up, you can get through these situations without hurting your opponent or hurting working relationships.