Management Tip of the Day: Choose Connection Over Conflict

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 29, 2013 Choose Connection Over Conflict It feels good to win an argument. But in every fight there's a loser too, and your counterpart may leave the discussion feeling discouraged and disengaged. Instead of combating, try connecting: Set rules of engagement. If you're heading into a meeting that could get testy, outline rules to make it a productive, inclusive conversation. For example, make sure everyone has enough time to explain ideas without being interrupted. Listen with empathy. Make a conscious effort to speak less and listen more. The more you learn about other peoples' perspectives, the more empathy you'll feel. Plan who speaks. In situations when you know one person is likely to dominate (that may be you!), make sure everyone is able to speak. Identify who in the room has important information or perspectives to share. List them on a flip chart and use that as your agenda. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Your Brain Is Hooked on Being Right" by Judith E. Glaser. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works HBR Press This is A.G. Lafley's guidebook. Shouldn't it be yours as well? Winning CEO A.G. Lafley is now back at the helm of consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble. If you want to know the strategy he'll use to restore P&G to its former dominance — read this book. Playing to Win, a noted Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestseller, outlines the strategic approach Lafley, in close partnership with strategic adviser Roger Martin, used to double P&G's sales, quadruple its profits, and increase its market value by more than $100 billion when Lafley was first CEO (he led the company from 2000 to 2009). The book shows leaders in any type of organization how to guide everyday actions with larger strategic goals built around the clear, essential elements that determine business success — where to play and how to win. The stories of how P&G repeatedly won by applying this method to iconic brands such as Olay, Bounty, Gillette, Swiffer, and Febreze clearly illustrate how deciding on a strategic approach — and then making the right choices to support it — makes the difference between just playing the game and actually winning. Let this book serve as your playbook for winning. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Take a Weekly Technology Break Storyboard Your Presentation Know When to Forgive 4 Things Every Team Needs Get a Job Offer from a Stranger Focus Your Business Pitch on Yourself, Not Your Plan Write an Email That People Will Read Give Feedback That Crosses Cultures Stop Going to So Many Meetings Job Seekers: Focus on Achievements All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)