If the other person doesn’t feel heard, and understood, then you’re wasting your words by giving them all the facts.
Dialogue can only happen when we acknowledge our common goals, and think together about how to accomplish them. Most situations aren’t zero-sum. There’s ample room for cooperation even if it doesn’t feel natural.
The dichotomy is always false. It seems like there are two choices, but there are always options in the middle. It’s your job to find that middle ground where people can meet up, understand each other and accomplish a common goal.
Inspired by Wes Kao’s podcast on 10k Hours