It’s not about being right. It’s about accepting that everyone has their own perspective.
Here’s a policy that we saw in a local restaurant while in downtown New York. So the old paradigm, “The Customer Is Always Right” has been discarded. Isn’t it ironic that something – such as our differences – that usually causes disputes and arguments could actually create harmony? But if you really think about it, it is in fact our differences that causes us to work harmoniously with each other. Our distinct and unique qualities help increase compatibility and build rapport within an organisation. However, this can only happen when we accept that each of us is different and that we have our own perspectives and ideas.
By being curious we can see the other person’s side of the story.
Each of us has our own story to tell. In an argument or disagreement, both parties have their own side of the story. If you keep on thinking only about your story and do not listen to what the other party has to say, you will not arrive at a compromise or even to an agreement. Be curious to the other person’s side of the story and learn to accept the other’s perspective and uniqueness.
By choosing to stay calm we can stay in control.
Instead of focusing on the dispute and how to make the other person accept your point, you need to choose to stay calm so you can start seeing options and alternate perspectives and the other party’s side of the story. When you stay calm, you will be able to stay in control of the argument. And you will be able to learn to understand and accept the other person’s perspective.
The “I am right, you’re wrong” attitude never resolves disagreements.
If both parties think they are right, nothing will be resolved, and the arguments and disagreements will continue. No one is really right and no one is really wrong. We all need to accept that each of us has our own differences. Each of us has our own perspectives. We need to work together through our differences, find a compromise and empower each other to arrive at a better and more effective solution that will benefit the company.
Conclusion
Most conflicts are resolved when we find common ground. When we learn to accept each other’s differences, we can live in harmony. We learn to cooperate with each other and work towards one goal, a goal that will benefit everyone. So not just a gelato shop policy, a lesson in harmony.
If you would like to learn more about communicating in harmony and effectively handling difficult conversations, Violet has an upcoming workshop on How to Have Difficult Conversations.