The Last Word

Discussions going in circles, one person needing the last word and I bet you played into it and now trying to extract yourself after realising too late its one of those conversations.

Too often we realise too late that the discussion has turned from productive to counter productive and extraction from the conversation is going to result in injury to both parties and a sense of either ‘winning’ or ‘loosing’ the argument and of course, who gets the last word.

If you are the young professional, it is likely that you are the one that comes out worse for wear.

So tips to come out in a win-win situation:

• Aim to not have the last word, but ensure your last statement is one of authority, clarity and professionalism. Regardless of who has the physical last word, make sure you shine (even if you didn’t always shine in the conversation).

• Sudden shutdown of communication in a workplace environment will ensure that the issue festers and an uncomfortable workplace until the issue is addressed. So agree to take a break from the discussion and to come back to the issue when you can both re-evaluate.

• Recognise that deliberate silence or extended pauses in conversation can take the air out of a heated discussion. If it’s face to face, pause to consider, via email or sms – delay an hour.

• If it gets personal, the conversation has gone too far to be resolved in this forum, its not one of professional conduct.

• Acknowledge that you can never control the thoughts/dreams/ideas of the person you are communicating with, but you are able to control yourself.

• Learn to pick up the indicators of a conversation going down hill, with experience, you will see the triggers sooner and avoid the downward spiral.

• If you are at the point where your chosen language/tone would cause hurt, then evaluate if this is really the time to bring it up.

• Stay on point, if the conversation is diverging away from the original point of discussion, then this is a serious trigger warning.

Find out about the Greek mythology associated with having the last word. It involves Echo, a women with an amazing voice that became undone when she always needed to have the last word…http://marcykennedy.com/2012/10/do-you-like-to-have-the-last-word-the-story-of-echo/