“The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be
victory, but progress.” - Joseph Joubert
Take a moment today to think about an argument or heated
discussion that you have had recently.
It might have been a disagreement with a colleague or a conflict with a
friend. Whatever the case, think, not
about the subject of the conversation, but about your underlying motivations.
How much of the conflict centred around your own ego? If you are really honest with yourself, as
the conversation progressed, wasn’t the disagreement less about the topic at
hand and more about your need to be right?
As a leader, you must work on your ability to take others’
views and opinions into account. If the
topic involved was important enough to invest your energy in the argument, then
what you really seek is resolution not revolution.
So, the next time you find yourself embroiled in an
argument, stop and check your ego.
Before you vigorously defend your own position, take a moment to
consider the opposing perspective. After
all, it’s not about being right, it’s about making progress!
