Productive Conflict – Dismissing Opinions
Next in this series of Productive Conflict blogs is Dismissing Opinions, as pointed out in the Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict Reference Guide. This is what they have to say about it:
“Dismissing opinions is a blocking strategy to win an argument, but is also a common way to protect our ego. We do this when we’re scared of the thoughts or views expressed by another person. We are afraid to give them space to paint a picture that we don’t like. And because we feel challenged, insecure, and fearful, we adopt the strategy of overriding the other person. We exude absolute certainty in our position and effectively relieve ourselves from any obligation to hear the other side of the story. And by making the conversation as one-sided as possible, we feel empowered and righteous. Ask yourself: What am I scared of hearing from the other person?”
I agree that it is hard to hear a person out when you can tell that their opinion is far outside of yours on any particular topic, but it is only respectful to do so. It is also the only way that leads to a productive conversation about conflicting views. Take discussion of politics for example, have you ever listened to someone express their opinion without any ounce of interest in hearing yours? That can be very frustrating and lead to either certain topic discussion avoidance or worse yet, disconnecting from conversations with that person all together. Starting with ourselves by making sure that we are not practicing dismissing other’s opinions will open up the opportunity to encourage the other person to do the same. Reminding them that, “as I thoroughly listened to your opinion, I will appreciate you now hearing me out”. Whether we agree or disagree, productive conversations are always a two-way street.
You can find more information including a video on Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict here: https://www.hrs-mt.com/everything-disc-productive-conflict
