Most people, most of the time, just want to feel heard. Think about it yourself–when do you get the most frustrated or despondent about a work challenge? More likely than not, you feel as though nobody’s listening.
The good news is that you can break the cycle of arguing past each other and deeply, intentionally listen to other people’s concerns, especially if you don’t agree. You’ll gain their trust, make them feel safer to bring you their concerns, and create an environment where productive conflict and negotiation can lead everyone to a the best possible solution.
