How to Win an Argument and Soothe a Debtor

Dean Kaplan

Arguments occur all too often, whether with a debtor who is disputing a debt, or a co-worker, manager, employee, or spouse. Anyone who is in an argument really wants to win. Frequently in an argument the parties get very emotional and winning is more important than the issue itself. More often than not, neither side actually wins the argument, so the only thing that was accomplished was for both people to get even angrier and more convinced in their opinion. Instead of winning, the argument makes it even harder to ultimately solve the issue.

And even if you win, you lose, because the other side leaves with bad feelings. These bad feelings linger. They can continue to disrupt regular interaction long after the argument. In the work environment it can result in lower productivity, damaged morale, and even inadvertent passive-aggressive sabotage. Arguments are one of the most destructive occurrences for building and maintaining good teamwork.