Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Defending without Being Defensive

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JULY 9, 2010 3 Tips for Defending without Being Defensive Being enthusiastic and passionate about your ideas is crucial to getting them heard and implemented. But protecting your ideas against criticism can come off as defensive and turn people off. Here are three tips for sticking up for your ideas without overreacting: Be prepared. Know in advance what some objections might be. Consider what others might not like and develop sound arguments to address those concerns. Be appreciative. Whenever you get feedback, even if it is more critical than helpful, be thankful for the input. This demonstrates strength of character and willingness to hear others' opinions. Be patient. Know that persuading others may take time and effort. Don't bulldoze an idea through. Instead, refine your idea to demonstrate that you are listening to feedback and be tolerant of the process. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Defend Your Idea without Being Defensive" by John Baldoni. Read the full blog post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Teaching Smart People How to Learn Harvard Business Review Article Competitive success depends on learning, but most people, including professionals in leadership positions, are not very good at it. Learning is a function of how people reason about their own behavior. Yet most people engage in defensive reasoning when confronted with problems. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Get Yourself a "Bitsmith" Remove the Mental Barriers to Career Success Don't Let a Tight Budget Stop Your Professional Development 3 Ways to Handle Disruptions 2 Tips for Managing a Multigenerational Team 3 Tips for Acing an Interview How to Craft a Persuasive Presentation 3 Tips for Writing Reader-Friendly Memos 3 Things to Know About New Ventures 3 Tips for Getting Out of Your Boss' Shadow BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)