Workplace Lesson #113 January 30, 2008
Posted by Jenica Rogers in Libraries, Musings, work life.trackback
When you disagree, have an objection, are concerned, or are passionately opposed to the points of a discussion, it’s best to frame your criticism in the form of a positive statement. Nothing shuts down a productive discussion like complaining without offering a set of differing options. Complaints without proposals are dead-end statements that ask others to do the arguing for you, but complaints followed by options for a new direction that conforms to your beliefs lead to more discussion, which has the potential to lead to a change in policy.
Additionally, even when you passionately disagree with the prevailing opinion and articulately and eloquently state your position and propose new options, sometimes you don’t get to ‘win’. Sometimes your passionate position is just not in the best interests, as seen by the group as a whole, of the group, the institution, or the users. And sometimes you just have to accept that, and move on.
Now listening: Dixie Chicks, Voice Inside My Head
Jenica Rogers
I know. I personally suck at this.
But I’m trying.
All any of us can do is try. Sometimes we get lucky and succeed.