Persuasion through fact finding

People often disagree because they aren't working from the same facts. Especially in a work setting, if your team is out of alignment regarding how to proceed, take stock of the data informing your point of view. Typically, someone is unaware of a key detail.

The exercise of compiling relevant data to the decision being made demonstrates a willingness to consider alternatives. This should both highlight areas for adjustment and build conviction in your own (potentially new) perspective. Continue surfacing facts until everyone agrees that there are nothing else that warrants consideration. By focusing on facts, the disagreement becomes less about questioning each other's judgment and more about finding the best path forward.

Instead of thinking about persuading others to your point of view, consider finding the facts that will help others to come to the same conclusion as you.