Disagreement at work – How to deal with it

Introduction

Finding your way in the labor market can be quite difficult. Finding a job is not so easy. For that matter, holding on to a job is not easy either. And what when you meet bad bosses or nasty colleagues? To help you out, I am here to answer frequently asked questions about work. Today: disagreement at work with a colleague or customer, how do you deal with them?

Read more and find out. Or check out my suggestion to prepare your own escape route and start making money on the side. See the last paragraph!

Do not be afraid

The first order of business is that a firm discussion should not deter you. Don’t try and avoid discussions. The exchange of arguments and information in an honest conversation is instructive and it is an opportunity to get closer together. This is of course on the condition that any discussion is held in a civilized manner. No screaming, no cursing, no name-calling. There should be preparedness to listen to each other’s views, however contrary they are.

All of us should accept that difficult conversations are sometimes inevitable. In other words: there is always someone you don’t get along with. If you are very structured, you may hate chaos. But not everybody is the same, so live with that.

8 tips to guide you through a tough conversation

1. Build your confidence

People with little self-confidence close up in a discussion or start ‘fighting’ by putting up a big mouth. Don’t be guided by what others think, start from your own qualities. Then you are less likely to get upset or angry. 

This means that you should prepare well for any conversation as is the case with company meetings. Find out where your weaknesses lie and work on them. Go over the purpose of the conversation and think about what you are going to say, but expect at the same time different opinions from other people.

2. Determine your goal

This is always important, but very essential in the case of for example your performance appraisal. What is it that you would like to achieve? Do you want more salary or attention for cooperation that is not going well with a colleague? Would you like more training? A better working environment? Determine exactly what you want to achieve and prepare in a targeted manner. 

I know from experience that such an approach will be giving you a much better chance at getting what you want.

 

3. Prove your arguments

Always demonstrate the connection between your argument and reality. Does the boss think your turnover is too low? Then you might say: we are in an economic recession due to the corona crisis. But how do you explain that colleagues do achieve their turnover? Provide proof: explain why something affects your work. Also ask your interviewer for evidence. 

I always find that in this case the best thing to do is to document your arguments. This really means that of all the things you do and see, you will keep a record with stated facts and dates. Once you have started this you will be surprised how easy it is to do. It will also help and substantiate your own memories.

4. Practice in advance

Unfortunately, some difficult conversation often strikes you unexpectedly. But most conversations you will see coming, in which case you think of questions that can be addressed. Think carefully about your evidence and practice with a friend, partner or housemate beforehand. 

Practicing with a friend might seem superfluous, but once you have tried it, you will see that matters will occur that you did not see before. Remember that you might have only one chance to get it right.

5. Be aware of the emotions

We say emotions will be a factor in our debates. Take the international debate on immigration. Sometimes there are people who react very angry: they don’t want more refugees, period. The other side might say, we need to help everyone. Try to find out what is at the root of why someone is so emotional. Are they afraid that their child has less chance of a home, is it unsafe on the street? Do they think you are hardhearted? Then you also know what underlying interest is affected and you can come closer together in a dialogue. 

Also listen to your own emotions. Try not to push away aggression or anger immediately. It is a signal that a conversation is going the wrong way; something has to change. 

6. Take a step back

For example, say that things are not going as well as you hoped for and ask what you can do about it. You can also intervene implicitly by changing the subject. Or suggest stopping the conversation to calm both of you. 

I would like to add an important note to this subject. It should never be your aim to straighten everything out in only one conversation. You can hope for this, but adapting to the way the discussion goes can be beneficial too. What I am trying to avoid here is an obvious disappointment from your side. See it then as step 1 in a process!

7. Ask open-ended questions

This is a very good one as it works two ways. Open questions give the other person the opportunity to tell their story and you the opportunity to show understanding. Avoid yes-or-no questions or hard choices, for example: would you recommend our product?. Then people feel unconsciously threatened. 

Instead ask: what are your main reasons you chose our product? In this way you would learn a lot more about your discussion partner. People would feel more relaxed and will open up more.

8. Get help

If you have a disagreement, I suggest you always try to solve it yourself first. If you really can’t figure it out, ask somebody or another entity to mediate. This can be a multitude of people from your colleagues to your manager, HR, even a company doctor if necessary or support from outside.

The underlying thought here is that any issue can be solved one way or another!

Final thoughts + my no.1 recommendation

That said, we are all humans, we have our emotions and we all make mistakes, but in realizing this you might more easily accept other people’s mistakes.

Disagreements between persons will occur from time to time for each one of us. The difference for you can be how you will deal with them.

I have given 8 ideas and guidelines that can help you in the process. I wish you good luck!

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