Disagreeing while finding common ground

The idea

Acknowledge the other view before giving your own concern. Then suggest a shared goal or a trial.

Examples

• Entiendo tu punto sobre el horario.I understand your point about the schedule.
• Yo lo veo de otra manera.I see it differently.
• Me preocupa que lleguemos demasiado tarde.I worry that we will arrive too late.
• ¿Podemos buscar una solución que nos sirva a ambos?Can we find a solution that works for both of us?
• Coincidimos en que necesitamos descansar.We agree that we need to rest.
• Quizá podamos probar tu idea durante una semana.Perhaps we can try your idea for a week.

Watch out

Avoid presenting your interpretation as an accusation; describe the practical concern instead.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the appropriate word. ___ tu preocupación por el coste. (Entiendo / Olvido)

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   Entiendo

   Entiendo expresses understand. It acknowledges the concern about cost.

2. Choose the appropriate word. Yo lo veo de otra ___. (manera / ventana)

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   manera

   manera expresses differently. It signals a different perspective.

3. Choose the appropriate word. Busquemos una ___ que nos beneficie a ambos. (solución / discusión)

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   solución

   solución expresses solution. It points toward a shared outcome.

Use it today

Discuss a different view about a shared schedule.