I was on a little vacation last week and I learned a very valuable lesson from my Uncle-in-law Steve.
How to disagree with someone when they are wrong.
And in all fairness the other person wasn’t necessarily wrong, but they definitely had differing opinions.
We were sitting around a table after a round of golf (a round of shanks for me) or as somebody called it, “hozzlerockets”
And in the conversation, Uncle-in-law Steve asked another guy we golfed with what his opinion on something was.
It went like this:
Uncle-in-law Steve: What do you think about (insert thing)?
Guy: I think it’s a terrible idea, etc…
Uncle-in-law Steve: Well you’re not alone, it seems to be a very popular opinion… it doesn’t happen to be mine, but it’s very popular.
Guy: Well what do you think then?
… and then there was a healthy (and productive) discussion about the matter. I can’t remember what it was about, which is irrelevant anyway.
But I learned a great way to disagree with someone.
- Step 1: Validate that they are not alone in their thinking (even if they are).
- Step 2: Affirm that not only are they not alone, but they actually could be on the “more popular” side of the view point.
- Step 3: Clearly state in a non-offensive way you don’t have the same thoughts on the matter.
- Step 4: Productive conversation incurs.
I have been trying this around the house with wifey.
Me: Hey babe… why don’t you throw away some of the 275 magazines you have laying around?
Wifey: Because I will read them when I get to them.
Me: Well you’re not alone, it seems to be a very popular opinion… that is completely ridiculous!!!
And hence… I haven’t mastered it yet.
Anyway…
… what I HAVE mastered is showing beginners and seasoned pros alike how to play the piano without sheet music.
Go here regardless of your background if you have the desire to play the piano:
Here To Serve,
Tim (PianoFool)
