Reflecting on my friend Jahangeer Momen's advice that transformed my approach to conflict at work: sometimes, letting go of the need to be right leads to greater wins.
Here’s how this approach works — and why it matters:
- A short-term concession preserves trust and maintains collaboration.
- Asking "Help me understand your view" reduces defensiveness and reveals shared goals.
- Agree on data, disagree on interpretation, allowing us to test ideas instead of battling them.
- Conceding a minor point can provide leverage to influence larger decisions later.
- Demonstrating intent by supporting the chosen path builds credibility for future input.
The result is improved teamwork, smoother execution, and increased influence over time. Losing an argument doesn’t equate to losing the outcome; it can actually be the quickest way to achieve the results you desire.
Has a similar approach helped you at work? Share an example.