Marketing Me! Arguments with customers, bosses and interviewers

We all like to be right. And none of us likes to feel wrong when we know we are right.

Most of all, as competitors, none of us like to walk away thinking we let the other person win. Especially when we know we were right.

Here are some examples of when to just let the other person win.

Customers
You cannot win an argument with a customer and expect them to feel good about buying from you again.
If a customer says you did something wrong, listen. Try hard to understand what the customer is saying and feeling. If an apology works for the customer, give it without reservation.

If you need to save face, stick to the point of contention. If the issue is a missing shipment or invoice, ask the customer "You are right. How soon do you need a corrected invoice?". Over deliver and let the customer feel vindicated and good about their decision to do business with you.

Interviews
You cannot win an argument with a prospective employer during an interview. Don't even bother. It makes you look like a problematic candidate.

If the employer brings up a point of contention with you, learn to let it go. If it persists in bothering you, end the interview when possible and leave. if anything, ask for a break, step outside, count to ten and take a deep breath.


Boss
You cannot win a real argument with your boss. Keep documentation which clears your name and let it speak for itself. Don't argue, listen, make your point and shut up.

Your boss could make your life heck if he feels you won an argument at his expense. If you are right and your boss is a moral and ethical person, they will listen to your side and act fairly.

However, most bosses are human. If they are under pressure from customers or investors, they may not listen and may rush to a decision regarding your future with the company, i.e. you are no longer needed. As rash as your bosses' decision may be, they most likely will not recant their decision, ergo, you lose.

Don't argue with the boss with the goal to be right as the only acceptable result. You will lose.

Your spouse
In my case my wife. I can't win an argument with her to save my life!

But seriously folks, arguing may be your passion. Save it for the times and people where it may not take a professional toll on your life.