As a hotel revenue manager, you may often find yourself in situations where you disagree with colleagues or stakeholders, especially during Revenue Management meetings. Disagreements can be uncomfortable and even contentious at times. By respectfully expressing different perspectives and considering alternative solutions, Hotel Revenue Managers can play a key role in helping identify areas of improvement that can drive profit growth. Therefore, it’s important to remember that disagreements can be healthy and can lead to better outcomes for the hotel.
However, it’s important to approach disagreements with a sophisticated level of Emotional Intelligence. Learning the art of disagreeing can help you navigate these situations with confidence and professionalism. Here are some tips for how you can disagree more effectively:
Start with empathy:
Before disagreeing, try to understand where the other person is coming from. Put yourself in their shoes and consider their perspective. You can use phrases like “I can see where you’re coming from” or “I understand why you might see it that way” to demonstrate empathy.
Focus on the issue, not the person:
When disagreeing, focus on the issue at hand rather than attacking the person. Avoid using personal attacks or questioning their expertise or motives. Use phrases like “I respect your experience in this area, but…” or “I disagree with your perspective on this issue because…”
Use a collaborative tone:
Approach the conversation with a collaborative tone, and work together to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. Use phrases like “let’s explore this together” or “how can we find a solution that works for everyone?” to foster a collaborative environment.
Provide evidence:
When disagreeing, provide evidence to support your argument. This can help you make a more persuasive case and show that your perspective is based on sound reasoning. Use phrases like “based on my research, I believe that…” or “here are some numbers that support my perspective.”
Listen actively:
Listen actively to the other person’s perspective, and seek to understand their point of view. Ask questions and engage in a dialogue to gain a deeper understanding of their reasoning. Use phrases like “can you tell me more about why you think that?” or “help me understand your perspective on this issue.”
Avoid being defensive:
Avoid becoming defensive or dismissive when the other person disagrees with you. Instead, try to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Use phrases like “I appreciate your perspective, and I’m open to hearing more” or “I’m willing to consider other viewpoints.”
Acknowledge the other person’s perspective:
Even if you ultimately disagree, acknowledge the other person’s perspective and try to find common ground. This can help build trust and respect between you and your colleague. Use phrases like “I can see why you would think that” or “I agree that we both want to achieve the same goals.”
Follow up:
After the conversation, follow up with the other person to ensure that they feel heard and to reinforce your commitment to finding a solution together. Use phrases like “I’m glad we had this conversation, and I want to continue working together to find a solution” or “let’s touch base in a few days to discuss this further.”
Seek support:
If the disagreement is particularly contentious, seek support from a supervisor or mediator to help facilitate the conversation and ensure that both parties are heard. Use phrases like “I think it would be helpful to get a third-party perspective on this issue” or “can we bring in a mediator to help facilitate this conversation?”
By practicing the art of disagreeing, you can engage in healthier discussions with more confidence and professionalism, and ultimately find solutions that benefit everyone involved. By following these tips and techniques, you can resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative environment. So the next time you find yourself in a disagreement, remember to approach the conversation with empathy, focus on the issue, listen actively, and seek to find a solution that works for everyone involved.
