Shunning the High Ground

You've often seen it in the workplace. The side that loses its temper loses. The person who overstates an argument is vulnerable. "Straw man" arguments crumble. The optimist attracts and the pessimist repels. Sarcasm's gains are rarely long-term.

Are there exceptions? Sure, but as a general rule the side that slips into the above behavior is shooting itself in the foot. There is a bias in favor of reasonableness. Even a meritorious position can lose if it does not seem reasonable.

If this seems obvious, why would anyone succumb to the temptation to be negative? Because of several reasons:

1. Anger spurs a desire to strike back.
2. There is an insufficient filter to the expression of emotion.
3. There are intemperate advisors.
4. Contempt for the opposition dilutes standard courtesy.
5. The desire to feel good overcomes the desire to be effective.
6. An abrasive image is mistakenly thought to exhibit strength.
7. Desperation.