Political leaders tend to jump in with poor tone, or diminish another person as a way to make their points.  Too often great discussions slip into oblivion as a result ... and we miss the best exchanges out there. Thoughtful people fall silent in response.

It’s a pity too … because in seeing the opposite of a thing … we usually see that thing in wonderful new lights and textures. It doesn't have to be that way.

Here are 10 openers to disagree … without trashing the topic or taking out people who hold the opposite of your idea:

1.  I liked what you said about … and especially value … Have you thought about the opposite side?
 
2. Thanks for your ideas here and I’d like to think about these even more. In my own experience ….

3. Another angle to think about on this interesting topic … may be ….

4. Have you considered…?

5. What would be the results if …?

6. Could another possibility be …?

7. What truths lie in the opposite of this topic for some people…?

8. In my experience it worked a bit differently. For instance ….

9. What would you say to encourage a person who truly believed the opposite of …?

10. Let’s pose this question in a diverse workplace gathering … because the topic would generate a wonderful discussion from different angles.

Rather than try to top another person or replace original ideas they present … instead why not find a respectful way to engage additional ideas on the other side. That way you’ll learn how others think, and see interesting nuances that rarely show up when people trash the other side before deeper discussion follows. What do you think?

Have you seen people disagree in ways that allow a winning discussion to heat up? You'll recognise these exchanges by their respect …  integrity … and deep dives into interesting ideas … from many angles. Have you seen it?