HOW TO KEEP A DISAGREEMENT FROM BECOMING AN ARGUMENT

Hi! Valued Readers,

Are you aware that we have wasted lots of time indulging in arguments, which most  times turn out not to be fruitful for both parties involved in such activities. So, I found the following practicable suggestions you may take  to avoid from participating in such activities :-

1.  WELCOME THE DISAGREEMENT

We should recognize the truth that unity/harmony can happen through disagreement. There is a truth in the slogan, that sounds "When two partners always agree, one of them is not necessary."  No matter how effective you are, if there is some point you have not thought about, you should be grateful when it is brought to your attention. This may offer you an golden opportunity to realize before you make a serious mistake.

2. STAY IN CONTROL OF YOURSELF 

Bear in mind that you can measure the size of a person based on how he can control himself. By controlling yourself, you are able to listen to the disagreement and seek clarification if you are not clear as to what he is trying to say. Be calm and try to get the speaker's perspective and never jump to any conclusion. To be fruitful, you must keep on trying it till you conquer it.

3. DISTRUST YOUR FIRST INSTINCTIVE IMPRESSION

Defence is our first natural instinctive reaction to any disagreeable situation. As such, we must stay calm and control ourselves so as not to be trapped in such a situation because it may be our worst, not our best.

4. GIVE TIME FOR BOTH PARTIES TO THINK THROUGH THE PROBLEM

This is a good and effective way to give each other some time to think through the issue and examine it with due care and consideration. Remember if one yells, the other should listen - because when two parties yell, there is no communication, but just noise and bad vibrations.

5. LISTEN FIRST

You must not only allow your opponents time to talk, but you ought to listen. Do not resist, defend or debate because all these only raise barriers instead of building bridges of understanding. Show your seriousness and maturity, respect your opponent's view before you gain their respect. Otherwise, it will backfire to yourself. No point to allow your opponent to talk while you don't listen. This is wasting everyone's time and effort.

6. THANK YOUR OPPONENTS SINCERELY FOR THEIR INTEREST

Be thankful to anyone, who takes the time and effort to disagree with you. He is having the same interest as you are. To be fruitful, you should show your appreciation and think of them as people who really want to help you. In this manner, you may turn your opponents into friends. As such, amicable and long term solution be achieved.

7. BE HONEST AND SINCERE

Be brave to admit your mistake and apologize for it. This action will help to disarm your opponents and reduce defensiveness. This will lead to heart to heart talk, sincere and effective communication.

8. PROMISE TO GIVE YOUR OPPONENTS' IDEAS DUE COURSE

Mean what we say and do what we preach. Your opponents may be right, there is always more than one right answer. It is always a lot easier to think about their points than to move rapidly ahead. Ultimately, you will be caught in a position where your opponents can say: "We tried to tell you, but you would not listen."

9.  BEGIN WITH THOSE AGREED AREAS

When you have heard your opponents out, it is always wise to dwelt first on those points and areas on which you agree. This will turn the environment to be more conducive and easier to pursue further.

Hope the above tips will help you to save your time and effort for more healthful activities.

Thank you and look forward to hearing from you,

James Oh