We've been hearing since our childhood days that one must avoid arguments
because arguments brew differences and bad-blood. But a new study at Michigan
University in the States suggests that arguments aren't that bad and they can
even better the mental health of people. Healthy arguments have been found to
be catalysts to improving the efficiency of a person and they also help create
a competitive mood and atmosphere in the office.
According to this study, when
we avoid an argument, we don't find an outlet to vent our seething anger and
exasperation. We keep brooding over it and our efficiency gets affected
eventually. Stress hormones must be released through healthy arguments without
stooping oneself. Office arguments often give you that proverbial Eureka moment, you've been looking for. In fine, arguments usher in solutions
and help in the COD ( Cumulative Organizational Development).
How arguments in office help an individual:
Those who decently argue with their colleagues and even with their boss,
give an overall impression that they're not argumentative or someone who argues
just for the sake of arguing, but he/she argues to put the things in
perspective. Remember, an argumentative mind is also an analytical mind and
such a person could be an asset to any organization, provided he/she argues
rationally as well as succinctly.
The rules of argument:
That doesn't mean, one must keep arguing at the drop of a hat. Such
person will soon be branded as a bellicose fellow, who's belligerent all the
time. One must follow a few golden rules while arguing, yet not getting branded
as a fretful colleague. These infallible rules are-
1 Never attack the individual. Attack his/her views, maintaining office
decorum.
2. Never be personal and try to dwarf the other person. A proper argument
always avoids personal and individual issues. It's above pettiness.
3. Don't argue with a feeling of vindictiveness. It'll belittle your
image among your colleagues and boss will think of you in an uncharitable
manner.
4. Tell the other person, what has upset you. A roundabout manner to deal
with an argument in an office, projects you in bad light.
5. An argument, esp. in the office, must not snowball into a fight or
abusive display of emotional fireworks. This leaves a permanent blot on your
escutcheon.
6. Never leave reason. To argue with reason is a quality, only a few are
imbued with.
7. Never stretch an argument out of office. Learn to bury it there.
8. Ill-feelings for the other person/s should not pester you even after
an argument. Don't carry them home.
Remember the aforementioned rules and argue in a friendly manner. Learn
to put your foot down but don't be obdurate in office. One can argue with a
desirably pliable attitude and approach to things and people.
----Sumit Paul