"Poor communication skills can
condemn you to a life of mediocrity and
frustration. Good communication skills
can unlock your dreams of success."
Dr. Robert A. Tracz

The Agreement Principle

Others like it when you agree with them, so if you do, let them know immediately. But what if you don't agree?

You'll maintain greater rapport with someone if you learn to disagree without being disagreeable. This means find a way to agree first - then discuss your disagreement.

Here's how:
1.) Agree with the truth of what was said and ignore the rest.
2.) Agree in principle if not in fact.
3.) Agree with the emotion expressed.
4.) Fog your response by saying, "You might be right."

Then follow up with an open-ended question.

Example: Someone says, "You need to work harder because the deadline is tomorrow."

You are working as hard as you can so you respond; to the truth, "The deadline is tomorrow. What could I do to speed it up?” In principle, "You're right, meeting the deadline is important. How could I speed this up?” Agree with the emotion, "It would be upsetting to miss the deadline. What would you suggest?” Fog it, "You might be right. What would you suggest?"

Try it - you'll have fewer arguments and get to a solution faster.

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