In every organization, it’s normal to come across conflicts especially when it comes to decision making. I’ve written about this a number of times, and even recorded a few podcast episodes. Conflicts are BENEFICIAL when they are healthy conflicts.

Conflicts stop becoming healthy when a colleague starts playing the “I’m always right” card.

So what should you do when you have a colleague, a boss, or an employee who acts like they’re always right and so is not willing to listen to others?

This Harvard Business Review article sums it up nicely.

1. ‍Don’t fight fire with fire! While it’s important to talk about this, don’t do it while you’re in a meeting with a different objective! Instead, schedule a session to discuss your concern. ‍
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2. Evaluate your organization. Your culture might play a part in encouraging this behavior. Make it a must for colleagues to come to meetings prepared with pros and cons. Asking them all to contribute will lessen defensiveness and the need to impose opinions.
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3. ‍Slow down and listen. Some think that listening will just encourage that person to think that he or she is in the right even more. Not true! When you show you are a good listener, you establish trust. By doing so, the same colleague can feel comfortable around you and bring down their defensive shields.

There isn’t really one way to remove this behavior, but these are three solid steps you can take that will lessen its negative effects.

Give it a try!

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