I don’t agree respectfully | Life

I was particularly stuck with a section about criticism and thought of including it in my blog. Being critical is not the same as being disrespectful. It’s important to be careful and make an effort to offer a different perspective while still being respectful.

Here are social psychologist Anatol Rapoport’s rules for criticizing something:

1. You should attempt to re-express your target’s position so clearly, vividly, and fairly that your target says, “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.”
2. You should list any points of agreement (especially if they are not matters of general or widespread agreement).
3. You should mention anything you have learned from your target.
4. Only then are you permitted to say so much as a word of rebuttal or criticism.

I’ll be back with more next week.

Stay tuned.