Disagreement is not necessarily a bad thing. What you do with it can make all the difference.

Commentary notes

Questions to ask yourself before deleting a relationship

1. In general do you respect the other party?

   1. You can dislike someone but still respect their abilities, performance, and achievements. You can even like someone with whom you have disagreements.

2. Is this a party you should keep open the option of working with in the future?

3. What could the downside be of closing the door to future collaborations?

4. Perhaps your position on the issue may not be as “right” in part or in totality?

5. Maybe you can learn something through a disagreement?

Things to do to keep a relationship with someone after a disagreement

1. Don’t say or do anything you can’t take back.

2. Demonstrate your interest in that person.

   1. Keep an open channel. Send a periodic email. Have coffee once a quarter with the person. Pass along articles

3. Be patient.

4. Be friendly.

   1. Be genuine. Don’t try too hard.

5. Treat people with dignity and respect

   1. This is how we often treat strangers. Why should we treat people we know in a less civil manner?