Posted on Nov 18, 2015
CPT Military Police
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Most of us have done it, shared an unpopular opinion that opens us up to continued debate from someone who just doesn't want to let go even after we've seceded or let it be known we no longer wish to continue the conversation because there is no point in it. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.

I value disagreement if you have a position which you can support. It's important to be able to disagree without letting it become a fight. Some people are masters at this art and others let the discussion become personal and begin to attack personally instead of staying focused. Does this bother you? It does me.

There's an art to having a good debate, having the proper tools to debate can make the difference between a debate and a fight.
The attached article offers insights into how to make your point while staying inside the lines. There's something here for everyone to learn from. I see this as skills we can use in our day to day life as well.

http://www.doctornerdlove.com/2015/06/how-to-share-your-unpopular-opinion-without-being-an-asshole/
Posted in these groups: 6262122778 997339a086 z PoliticsManagement icon Management
Edited 9 y ago
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Responses: 9
MSgt Curtis Ellis
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Edited 9 y ago
CPT (Join to see) You asked this on RP??? I think I'm going to pull up a chair and wait for the the responses... This one ought to be real good!!! :)
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CPT Military Police
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MSgt, your response made me laugh. Thank you.
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MSgt Curtis Ellis
MSgt Curtis Ellis
9 y
CPT (Join to see) - Your attached "Sea Lion" comic brought a "flashback" smile to my face as well! :D
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LTC Professor Of Military Science / Department Chair
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Edited 9 y ago
That sea lion comic = priceless...lol

Unfortunately, when sharing an opinion - you are bound to encounter someone (or multiple people) who disagree. That's where personalities come into play - some people can share opinions without the nature of being an asshole about it, some are just assholes by nature. On the flip side - some people who can't respectfully agree to disagree are assholes.

Like you Michelle, I value difference of opinion (even more so when it's done tactfully and in a civilized manner). Sometimes, it helps me to look at an issue/problem set from a different angle that I hadn't thought about before - sometimes, it makes me wonder which politically biased source they pulled their information/statistics from. As leaders - we're not supposed to surround ourselves with "yes" personnel...any good leader values difference in opinion. Unfortunately, we do have people in leadership roles who do surround themselves with like minded people (yes personnel) and are usually ineffective at providing adequate leadership to their subordinates.
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CPT Military Police
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LTC (Join to see) I'm always willing to learn, that's the value of debating, asking for more information, ... Thank you for your input.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Weak arguments often falter when challenged, most often under the weight of unforced errors of the arguer. Several exhibits of this exist on this website.
Remain calm, explain how your opinion was formed, present your arguments, and if your counterpart is unpursuaded, it is ok to continue to disagree AND respect them afterwards.
This applies everywhere you interact with others, not just in public discourse.
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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SPC Whitney Olson With a name like 'Olson', I find it hard to take you seriously...lol
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
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teasing you man! I am Olson too.. lol SPC Whitney Olson
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