How to Have Productive Arguments at Work

Arguments at work are inevitable. So rather than avoid them, why not make them productive arguments?

Conflict often spurs creativity and better ideas. Yet at work, most leaders — including laser-focused finance pros — try to curb conflict and stop arguments in the pursuit of civility.

“Too often ‘civility’ means the mere absence of argument, or politely ignoring differences,” say Caroline Hopper and Laura Tavares, researchers behind The Better Arguments Project. “Life doesn’t need fewer arguments. Instead, it needs better arguments.”

The researchers uncovered five principles to better arguments. These are the keys to having productive discussions where opinions differ, but positive results eventually occur.

Use these techniques — and share them with colleagues — for when discourse arises.

1. Pay Attention to Context

Better arguments happen when you consider the needs, culture and context of the specific situation. Those are easier to establish and stick to in a formal, argument-prone place such as meetings.

For arguments that begin organically – perhaps when employees are discussing how something should get done – you might have to step in and give direction.

To get this right, share what’s known by everyone about the issue (context), its impact on those involved (culture) and anticipated result (needs).

For instance, if you’re meeting with the sales team and they want to argue over who dropped leads, share data you have on how many leads were dropped and how those affected the bottom line. Make the need (converting more leads) the focal point.

2. Take Winning Off the Table

Many arguments come in high-stakes contexts. (In the above case, decreasing dropped leads to increase sales affects the bottom line and almost everyone in the company.)

So better arguments can’t be about one side winning, another losing.

Arguments should be made for the greater good, not to defeat others.

“When we take winning off the table, we preserve space to speak and listen, creating relationships that can build connections (and) support better decision-making,” the researchers say.

3. Connect and Listen Passionately

Better disagreements happen when people connect personally and prepare to listen. Invite people to “be human first” by sharing a story, not just an opinion, about how the issue impacts them.

Good starters: “What makes you proud about X?” or “What makes you feel insecure about X?”

As productive arguments evolve, you can continue to connect people and confirm they’re listening to each other by asking, “What is something someone else said that you appreciate?” and “How has others’ thinking connected to, extended or challenged your own?”

4. Be Vulnerable

This could be the most important element to better disagreements. Everyone needs to be open, honest and vulnerable when speaking and listening.

Before you start a potentially volatile conversation – or when you pause one in action – try a “contracting exercise.”

Ask people to silently fill in blanks, “When I think about this difficult subject, I feel _____ because ____.”

You’ll hear words like, “angry,” “excited,” “invisible” or “frustrated.” Then say, “Given these powerful emotions, what do we need to do to feel secure in the conversation?”

5. Be Ready to Transform

When all is said and done, get everyone to reflect on the experience and what was accomplished. Prompt responses by filling these blanks, “I came in thinking _____.” I’m leaving thinking ____.”