When the opposition is logical and the detractor has many rational and practical counterarguments, one has to go for a cognitive conversation.

• One needs sound, logical arguments while making a good presentation, just like a lawyer.
• One has to set aside any emotion and use pure reasoning.
• It helps to make the other person believe that both parties are on common ground.

The Flip Side: Don’t expect long-term conversion or everlasting support.

Engaging in a rational debate is useless when the detractor isn’t really a fan and harbours a grievance already.

• One has to avoid jumping into a debate with this kind of person and focus on learning about them and building rapport.
• Slowly understand their perspective and try to convert them into your champion or advocate, by becoming their fan.
• Let the relationship take care of the decision.

The Flip Side: One cannot rely on building a relationship to convince others if the decision does not have merit.

The detractor can be wholeheartedly opposed to your proposal, even believing that it may cause harm. This makes it impossible for them to agree with you.

• One can try to break the ice in this situation by bringing in a credible colleague, preferably a supervisor or manager.
• This can tilt the scale in your favour and help you open up the deadlock.
• You can then push your proposal up for approval, provided you can convince the external supporter.

The Flip Side: If the detractor feels the decision has been imposed on them by tact or authority, they may feel cheated.