Q: How do you know if it’s a bad idea or a disagreeable person?
A: Separate substance from style to find out.
From James Clear:
“A phrase I heard recently and found useful: I agree with the idea, but I disagree with the tone.
Many ideas get dismissed because they are delivered in a cocky or hostile or dismissive tone—or because of who delivers them.
Separate substance from style.”
Remember, a broken clock is still right twice a day. And disagreeable people can still generate good ideas. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
And the inverse is also true. Not every idea is as good as the charismatic sales person would have you believe.
Actionable Question: What feedback am I dismissing because I didn’t like the tone or person who gave it?
-Andrew Nemeth