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Personal Development
Agreeing to Disagree
Disagree without being disagreeable
If you are like most of us, you have occasional disagreements with others. How do you deal with such situations? Do you remain quiet, immediately react, or perhaps thoughtfully respond? Let’s look at some ways you can disagree without being disagreeable.
Agree, but don’t be a yes-man
When we agree with something someone says, we often show it without speaking a word by nodding or uttering an “mmm.” We also say things like “I agree,” “I understand,” “It makes sense,” “I see what you mean,” and other such phrases.
The real question is, do you agree, or are you agreeing to avoid any repercussions that may result from disagreeing?
Before retiring, I often saw people agree with everything the boss said, regardless of what it was! Such things never sat well with me. If you are one of those types of people, stop it immediately! It not only harms your company, but it harms you! Let me explain.
You add little to no value and nothing to a conversation by always agreeing. Do this too often, and your value diminishes in the eyes of others. Everyone is familiar with the proverbial “yes man.” They do not have a good image, do they? Why should they? Yes men…
