“Master the Art of Influence: 7 Phrases That Turn Tension into Triumph with Difficult People”
But that kind of thinking only makes things worse.
For a long time, I struggled with this. Any time someone was short with me or dismissive, I’d take it personally and respond with frustration.
Eventually, I realized that instead of trying to “win” the conversation, I needed to change the dynamic entirely.
Saying “I want us to be on the same team” shifts the focus from competition to collaboration.
It reminds the other person that you’re not their enemy—and that the goal isn’t to fight, but to find a solution together.
