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Senior Correspondent

Have you ever argued with someone, only to discover you agreed? 

One partner said to his other partners – who were in heated discussion – “You’re both arguing for the same thing.” I thought his observation intriguing. I started watching my conversations to see if I have unnecessary arguments. I do! 

I argue – or “debate,” if you prefer the more noble term – with people even when I agree with them. 

Arguments when we agree are useless, draining time-wasters. There’s no need for winners or losers. 

5 Reasons We Argue When We Agree 

1. The way something is said is offensive. It isn’t the content of a comment that sets us off; it’s the tone of voice, facial expression, or body language that gets us going. We bring emotional baggage to the table.
2. Their emphasis doesn’t fully align with ours.
3. Something is left out. Everything being said is accurate, but we feel there’s a bigger picture.
4. We need affirmation, appreciation, and respect.
5. We don’t feel heard.

Bonus: History closes our minds. We argued about this before, and you were wrong then.

My Story

A leadership colleague and I were discussing the merits of focusing either internally on the people in our organization or externally on customers. I said, “It’s an ‘and’ conversation, not an ‘or’.” He agreed, but he continued talking about one side of the issue.

In the past, I would have argued even though I agreed with everything he said. This time, I just agreed. Is there more to the issue? Yes. We already agreed it was an “and” conversation. Did we make policy decisions? No. His points were useful, accurate, and applicable.

Agree quickly. Don’t add to. Don’t give the “full” picture. One conversation can’t address every facet of important issues.

Note: This short post isn’t the full picture. Go ahead. . .

Do you argue when you agree?

When should we stick to our guns and when should we let it go?

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