The Art of Productive Argumentation

A Journey from Conflict to Collaboration

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the competitive nature of always wanting to win. Whether it’s a meeting, discussion, or review, the desire to come out on top can sometimes overshadow the true purpose of the conversation. However, it’s important to remember that the goal of these interactions is not to win every argument, but to learn and grow as a team.

You start your day with a mild coffee to give you strength to get you through all those discussions, reviews, brainstorming sessions, and oh! what not 😤

But hey, be mindful! you’re not entering these discussions to win it all and come out of the meeting room wearing a cape. It’s important to approach these discussions with an open mind and a willingness to listen to other viewpoints. By actively listening and engaging with others, you can gain a deeper understanding of the product, the constraints, and the culture you are trying to shape.

Design is a collaborative process, and everyone on the team brings their own unique perspectives and expertise. As a designer, it’s crucial to embrace the fact that you may not have all the answers, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s often beneficial to be the “dumbest person in the room” because it means you have the most to learn.

Remember winning or losing is a part of the process, the end goal is to find a solution that works for everyone involved. By being a mindful team player and focusing on learning instead of winning, you can help create a positive and collaborative work environment.

In conclusion, as designers, it’s important to remember that within a team, the goal is not to win every argument, but to learn and grow together. By embracing our own limitations and being open to other viewpoints, we can create better products, better teams, and in turn, better cultures.

So, let’s strive to be the dumbest person in the room and see what all we still don't know 😃.