Let me paint a picture.  You are on the cusp of a disagreement.  This might be with a loved one.  It might be with a spouse or a child.  Or it might be with a customer.  You have the facts on our side.  You have lined up your argument.  And, maybe, you are a little fired up.

We have all been there.

But let me give you one question to ask yourself before you pick up the phone, hit send, or “let them have it.”  It’s a simple question.  But it gets you to the other side of the argument.

“What do I win by winning?”

There are so many situations in business and in life where we dig in our heels.  We are indignant.  We are angry.  And maybe, we are right.  Maybe we have a right to be frustrated.  Maybe we are justified in our anger. But do you really want to say something you can un-say?

Maybe you do.

But ask the question first.  What is the goal?  What do I win by winning?

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing, a full service marketing agency located in Ohio.  Learn more about Hasseman Marketing here.  And if you are interested in have him speak at your next event, you can learn more here.