Friendly resistance

You have a new idea? And what if someone bounces it off?

Its helpful when the person who threw the cold water is a good listener, thinker, holds reason, and is willing to concede to a valid argument. Being with people who think exactly alike has its perks but sometimes distorts the reality. The act of disagreeing is essential to identify problems, provide contrary perspectives, consider alternatives and make changes. Like the two sides of a coin, agreement and disagreement is both beneficial and painful.

“When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I'll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own.”
Colin Powell

If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secret of getting along.