June 16, 2008

We see this project differently, and that’s why I believe we can learn from each other. ~ PowerPhrase

Filed under: PowerPhrases by Meryl Runion |

Warren and his coworker had drastically different ideas about how the project should be managed, as creatives and technicals often do. Warren was ready for a fight and felt sure his coworker would be too, so he decided to communicate a goal that would preclude that. He opened the conversation by saying,

We see this project differently, and that’s why I believe we can learn from each other. I don’t agree with your approach on a number of issues, but I respect your expertise so I’d like for us to understand each other’s positions and see if we can create a vision for the project that incorporates both of our separate expertise.

When you anticipate hostility in a discussion, it’s often wise to speak first of the conversation itself and the desired goals. Of course Warren had to remain open to his coworker, but when he did, he found his coworker more open to him than he had anticipated.