We have all been there.  We find ourselves in an argument with a person who is just plain wrong.  They have dug in their heels.  They refuse to listen to reason.  This person might be a customer, a friend or even a spouse…and it can be incredibly frustrating. 

The next time this happens, ask yourself this simple question:

What do I win by winning this argument?

If you are like me, you feel like you can win the argument.  You can use logic, statistics, or brute force and get them to succumb.  You might not really change their mind, but you will succeed in making yourself feel better!

The problem is, you might lose by winning.  You might lose the friendship, the customer, or the relationship.  Really.

So take a breath.  Just ask yourself that simple question.  You may hear that question in our head and say “This is worth it.”

But you might not.