Our words should be bridges to comprehension, not barriers to connection. Disagree less, understand more.

THE LAW: YOU MUST NEVER DISAGREE In the midst of a negotiation, debate or heated argument, try and remember that the key to changing someone’s mind is finding a shared belief or motive that will keep their brain open to your point of view.

first listening so that the other person feels ‘heard’, and then making sure you reply in a way that makes them feel ‘understood’.

if we start from a place of agreement, of common ground, we increase the chance that the strength of our arguments, the accuracy of our logic and the weight of the evidence will be received at all.

if you want to keep someone’s brain lit up and receptive to your point of view, you must not start your response with a statement of disagreement.

avoid the emotional temptation, at all costs, to start your response with ‘I disagree’ or ‘You’re wrong’, and instead introduce your rebuttal with what you have in common, what you agree on, and the parts of their argument that you can understand.

Healthy conflict strengthens relationships because those involved are working against a problem; unhealthy conflict weakens a relationship because those involved are working against each other.

You don’t become a master because you’re able to retain knowledge. You become a master when you’re able to release it.

TO MASTER IT, YOU MUST CREATE AN OBLIGATION TO TEACH IT Learn more, simplify more and share more.