First emphasize what brings us together
Expressing your disagreement with a whole group
Having an opinion different from that of the group is rarely comfortable
and often creates a dilemma: to express it at the risk of isolating
yourself or even getting into conflict, or remaining
silent and abandoning your point of view. However, there is also a third
avenue to be explored...
Compare
Remember
Before expressing your disagreement, identify what is shared and
formulate it clearly: a point of view on the situation, a key idea, a
value to defend, un objective to reach...
For disagreement should not oppose but rather assist in finding a common position.
For disagreement should not oppose but rather assist in finding a common position.
Formulate a hypothesis, not a truth
A differing position is better perceived and accepted when it is
advanced in a flexible way, respectful of other positions.
Inversely, affirming it as a certitude is counterproductive; it would be better to express your idea as a hypothesis, to be investigated and confirmed together.
Inversely, affirming it as a certitude is counterproductive; it would be better to express your idea as a hypothesis, to be investigated and confirmed together.
Build upon the common interest
A differing position will be taken into account when it supports the common interest.
But the common interest is not always clearly set forth, and it may be necessary to propose a formulation and to have it accepted.
Once this agreement is shared, it then becomes possible to argue for the "dissident" position because it aims at a goal around which the group is rallied.
But the common interest is not always clearly set forth, and it may be necessary to propose a formulation and to have it accepted.
Once this agreement is shared, it then becomes possible to argue for the "dissident" position because it aims at a goal around which the group is rallied.
Evaluation
Each question has only one correct response, but be careful: among the possible responses there is one that is "almost correct" and might make the choice harder!
1 / 3
We all agree!
All the participants in the
meeting want to delay an action; you think this a mistake. What do you do?
Nothing. Since the majority agrees, you have no chance of changing their
decision.
⚠
You give up a bit too
quickly
You initiate a debate:"delaying the action is indeed a solution.
Are there inconveniences to be anticipated?”
✓
You open the discussion and
it may be possible to see the situation in another light.
You insist, using diplomacy: but not delaying the action will make us
more credible for what’s to follow, don't you think?
⚠
Best think about all the
aspects of the chosen solution. You will then be able to argue.
You confirm your belief: "I don't agree, we can't postpone the
action.We can't go
back on our engagement".
⚠
There is a risk of
counter-attack and people will no longer listen to you.
2 / 3
A tense situation
You and a team member don't
agree on a subject that concerns you both and tension is mounting.What do you say to him?
We are not going to find a solution now. I suggest we deal with the
other topics and we can get together after the meeting.
✓
This is a wise decision. It
would be best to continue just the two of you and not poison the atmosphere of
the meeting.
I am probably not the only one with this opinion (while addressing the
other team members) am I?
⚠
This is risky! You are taking
the other members as hostages.
Calm down, we are not going to tear each other to pieces in front the others!
⚠
Asking someone to calm down
will only have the opposite effect.
But I simply cannot go along with that, you don't take into
consideration the latest information...
⚠
Pointless! if this subject
isn't a priority in the meeting, best move on to something else.
3 / 3
Responding to an attack
You explain your
disagreement and a participant retorts "you are not the best qualified to
impose your point of view!" What do you reply?
I am not imposing my point of view, I am giving my opinion.
⚠
Unnecessary defending
yourself at this stage. And the most
annoying point isn’t this one..
And why am I not qualified?
⚠
Questioning is a good idea
but the question sounds like a challenge which will only strengthen the
opposition of the participant.
Do you think you are more qualified?
⚠
Counter-attack, escalation
of the problem assured!
Are you telling me I am not qualified enough to give my opinion on the subject?
✓
Yes, you rephrase what was
implied and draw your interlocutor into explaining things clearly. He will
probably nuance his words.
Your score is
0/3
You finished!
To review the questions and responses, please choose from the list below.