IS THE PHRASE “I WOULD ARGUE” SOMETHING YOU FIND YOURSELF SAYING? I keep the song I’m a Lover (Not a Fighter) in mind when I find my clients are trying to argue with me. Having gone through crisis situations where my clients needed counsel, like the stock market panic in 2008, I’ve learned that even though someone can try to argue with me, I don’t need to argue with them—it almost never leads to a better relationship and usually weakens it. I firmly believe that two people can disagree without being disagreeable. They can fight for each other (together) instead of fighting with each other over their different points of view and work together toward the satisfaction of their mutual needs and wants. Pointing out differences in the way you view something versus arguing who’s right and who’s wrong is much more productive. Consider the difference between saying, “What’s wrong with what you’re saying is _______.” versus “What’s different about us what each of us believes is _______.” You can distinguish between two different points of view without being disparaging. Avoid arguing. Place yourself on the same side of the table as your client. Collaborate and be great. ..... This message is sponsored by the book Conversations: How to Manage Your Business Relationships One Conversation at a Time. Available now on Amazon http://a.co/d/7Ruhapu ….. CONTACT: [email protected] Conversations About Conversations – Episode 59 #conversationsaboutconversations