The Art of the Polite Argument in Business

SRINATH SRIDHARAN IS AN AUTHOR (TIME FOR BHARAT), POLICY RESEARCHER & CORPORATE ADVISOR STEVE CORREA IS AN EXECUTIVE COACH, OD CONSULTANT & AUTHOR (THE INDIAN BOSS AT WORK)

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POLITENESS and argument aren't a contradiction. Effective arguing involves understanding the opponent's perspective and finding common ground. The ability to argue effectively is a life skill and can help achieve goals.

As Homo Sapiens, we comprise just 0.01 per cent of the biomass (measured basis carbon), while the animal kingdom has just 0.4 per cent, with the bulk being trees (82 per cent) and tiny bacteria (13 per cent). Yet humans dominate and impact the world significantly.

The societal context expects humans to constantly influence and impact others around them. Influencing is the ability to sway or shape the thoughts, feelings, or actions of others, and involves persuasion and communication skills. To impact is to drive a certain outcome, a lasting effect. Influencing and impacting are important in our daily lives, including the workplace. Rather it is a life skill.

The ability to argue effectively can help one achieve one's goals and make one's voice heard. However, effective arguing is not just about winning, but also about understanding the other person's perspective and finding common ground. Effective engagement, be it in business, politics or in one's personal life should have the ability of sharing of one's views with others, and equally being receptive in receiving the views of others. The ability to agreeing to disagree' with each other's views is a great business skill.