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Rusty Gaillard

[DSD] How to talk politics... or any sensitive subject

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

I did it. Gulp.

I had a political discussion with a friend with opposing views.

Spoiler alert. We’re still friends.

But it was a difficult conversation.

For a moment I understood people who break off relationships due to political difference.

But I believe in the value of disagreement, so we found our way though it.

It reminded me of how important conflict management is.

Conflict is part of work. (If it’s not, there’s a bigger problem!)

You must be good at navigating conflict to be successful at work.

Here are some approaches I remembered during my political conversation.

  1. Stay calm. Not always easy, but essential so you can think clearly.
  2. Find common ground. You can always find a point of agreement if you look. At work, at a minimum, you both want the company to grow and be successful.
  3. Acknowledge when you’re wrong. Easy when you have your facts mixed up, harder -- but more critical -- when your ego is tied up in your argument.

These are not so different from influence skills.

Managing disagreement is, after all, a form of influence.

This week's podcast is all about influence.

3 strategies and 3 tactics to be more influential.

​Listen here.
​

Don’t shy away from difficulty.

Build your influence muscle, and jump in.

It’s good for you, your company, and the world.

​
​

To being more influential,

P.S. Subscribe to Do Something Different now, and get new episodes each week

Rusty Gaillard

Executive Coach, Lifelong learner, Dad, Bass player, Outdoor Enthusiast, Former Apple Worldwide Director of Finance.

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