Attack the problem, not the person

Credit: Jacob Lund Photography

Too often, people get emotional and start personal attacks during disagreements, moving away from the original issue. When you attack or accuse someone, you’re on opposite sides of the table. Attacking the problem means you’re both on the same side of the table, and the problem is on the other.

Assuming you’re both acting in good faith and want to resolve an issue, the first step is identifying exactly what you disagree on. The “what” is always an idea or opinion and never a person.