Meeting Arguments, Do They Change Minds?
Nearly anyone reading this has probably witnessed meeting arguments. They come in various forms and occur often.
There are many reasons to have meetings. Meetings can be everything from informational to decision making, from change of direction to staff meetings. Often, they include metrics, measurements, and other comparisons related to organizational goals or directives.
Why are there so many arguments or disagreements? Are they always verbalized? Can you sometimes see it in the body language? Is there an after the meeting, meeting?
Considering there are many different types of meetings and that the arguments will vary, do the arguments ever change minds? Is that the intent?
Meeting Arguments
It may seem logical that only some arguments ever change minds.
There is a theory that unless some information, an action or behavior, or an experience, leaves an impression on our subconscious, no change will occur.
This is exactly why some people will often suggest that you can’t change people, they’ll only change if they want to change.
Perhaps.
Yet impressions are often created from the outcomes of human interaction.
Exactly the kinds of interaction you might experience in a meeting.
For example, you may learn, never argue with the boss, or don’t challenge the person responsible for the budget.
It may be considered commonplace for sales to have disputes with operations, or the marketing team to express that there isn’t enough budget to create the appropriate impact.
Minds are changed when the data or experience creates an impression.
It doesn’t necessarily require an argument, yet an argument might ensue.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
