- Don't seek to clarify. Seek to dominate.
- Make broad statements and, if challenged on their validity, make some more.
- Dismiss the other side's views as rubbish or worse and in no way imply that they might have some merit.
- Feign injury at any comment that might be misconstrued as a personal attack.
- If trapped in an error, don't acknowledge your mistake, but instead quickly and shamelessly change the subject.
- Compare apples to oranges and, if time permits, to bananas.
- If the opposing arguments are not easily disputed, go after the motives and character of your opponents.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Being Wrong in a Loud Voice
With an air of absolute certainty, follow these simple guidelines:
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2 comments:
Michael, this is an excellent kick in the pants for many execs.
Indulge me, if you will, in attempting to put the positive spin on this. Call it "Letting Go of the Need to Be Right":
1. Seek clarity. Be curious.
2. When challenged,seek to understand the experience and viewpoint of the challenger. Suspend judgment.
3. Accept the other's viewpoint as their perception and experience. It isn't right or wrong - its just what they believe.
4. Stay neutral and know that other's views are not a personal attack on you.
5. Acknowledge your mistakes and say "I'm sorry" when appropriate with authenticity.
6. Observe when you make sweeping comparisons. These are only your opinions, they are not necessarily "right" or "wrong".
7. It isn't fair to fight dirty and go after a person's character just because they oppose you. Seek what is good about that individual and separate their arguments from the person's character. Be grateful for the good.
Thanks for the inspiration in your post.
Thanks, Mary Jo.
Your version is better!
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