Arguing can be fun and accomplish quite a lot if it’s a give-and-take of ideas reaching a constructive conclusion. At home, I’ve decided that I prefer to maintain the peace whenever possible and to back down if it will make the other person happy (sometimes I don’t succeed, but I try!). At work, I enjoy a good discussion both for and against my points.

At Hopkins, our seminars were followed by question-and answer-sessions that had outsiders quivering in fear because the atmosphere was usually more challenging than friendly. I, however, enjoyed the adrenaline rush and the chance to think on my feet. Being passive never helped me learn anything.

Over the weekend, I got into some “spirited” discussions with work acquaintances. It’s been a while since I had to defend myself or go on the attack, so I was a little uncertain about whether I should rise to the occasion. Yet I felt I had to do so when confronted with finger pointing, chest puffing, and aggression. I’m glad I haven’t lost my touch and can still stand my own.

Dr. Barton Goldsmith has the Top 10 Tips for Resolving Arguments in the Workplace. It’s a good review of what’s acceptable or not when there are disagreements at work.

Everyone argues. Some do it overtly by yelling, while others do it covertly by avoiding contact and conversation. Whatever the method, the result is the same – hurt feelings and a loss of productivity. Here are my tips to help you argue constructively, and if done correctly, it can be a pathway to growth, problem solving and higher profits.

I do feel a little taller today.

6 Comments »