http://www.twirlit.com/2009/09/23/4-magic-catchphrases-for-avoiding-an-argument/ Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:53:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 http://www.twirlit.com/2009/09/23/4-magic-catchphrases-for-avoiding-an-argument/#comment-5738 peapod Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:53:34 +0000 http://www.twirlit.com/?p=22208#comment-5738 good stuff. I'm a big fan of simply acknowledging that people are pissed - it goes a long way. "What can I do to help you" is a good one, too. I find a lot of times if you ask this the person usually tells you there isn't anything you can do (since it's their problem to solve) and they just want you to listen, OR they'll tell you exactly what you can do - which helps narrow down their needs and lets you determine what you can and can't do to help. Either way, it helps reduce tension and helps take a step toward solving the problem. good stuff. I’m a big fan of simply acknowledging that people are pissed – it goes a long way. “What can I do to help you” is a good one, too. I find a lot of times if you ask this the person usually tells you there isn’t anything you can do (since it’s their problem to solve) and they just want you to listen, OR they’ll tell you exactly what you can do – which helps narrow down their needs and lets you determine what you can and can’t do to help. Either way, it helps reduce tension and helps take a step toward solving the problem.

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