Learn communication techniques for engaging with a colleague who won’t listen

In the workplace, we frequently encounter situations where our conversational partner resists constructive dialogue and adopts a defensive stance. Nevertheless, in challenging negotiations, you possess the ability to modify your approach in a manner that encourages your counterpart to seek common ground.

Renowned conflict management expert Julia Minson from Harvard University recommends employing a conversational receptiveness technique. This approach empowers individuals to transcend the roles of irreconcilable adversaries and instead become equal participants actively seeking consensus.

Minson outlines four pivotal rules for effectively applying this method:

• Exercise restraint in asserting your claims, even when you’re convinced of your correctness. This demonstrates your willingness to acknowledge the validity of your counterpart’s perspective.
• Seek areas of agreement. Strive to identify shared points with your conversational partner as a foundation for a productive dialogue.
• Practice mirroring by repeating your interlocutor’s statements. This technique fosters a sense of ease and demonstrates that you have heard and comprehended their viewpoint, rather than merely attempting to prove them wrong.
• Maintain constructive demeanour, avoiding phrases like “I won’t do that” and the use of the word “no.” This approach to dialogue cultivates a climate of trust, significantly enhancing the prospects of mutual understanding.