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The Right Way to Argue a Point (Part 2)
Think Win/Win
This is the sister article that builds on the first which used Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as a consideration when debating an issue. The first article talked about the habit “Seek first to understand, before being understood.” This follow up article relates to another of the 7 Habits, “Think Win/Win.”
I’ve always been self-confident, but in my youth, I might more adequately have been considered cocky. I’ve never had a problem standing up for myself or for what I believe, and to this day, I have strong opinions. The difference between the older, wiser me and the cocky girl with the swagger that I used to be, is a complete change in mindset when participating in an argument, debate, or disagreement. I used to enter a controversial conversation with the intention of winning it and making sure everyone involved knew I had won. When someone wins, someone else loses, and that is not how I conduct discussions anymore.
Instead, I start a discussion with the hope that, once it’s over, all parties walk away satisfied with the end result. It is so much more rewarding than “winning” the argument with people leaving angry, unhappy, or resentful. When someone wins and someone loses, the chances of finding a solution to the problem significantly decrease. Also, if the group re-forms for any…
