<div><p>Many people enter into a debate ready to battle with only one side knowing the rules and purpose of engagement. </p></div><div><p><b>Before beginning any debate or argument, discuss with the other party a purposeful outcome and define clear rules of engagement.</b></p></div><div></div>

Stating the desired outcome

<div><p>Amazing leaders are not interested in winning for their own ego. They understand that finding the truth benefits the whole team so everyone can win. </p><p><b>Open your mind and look for answers, not victory</b>.</p></div>

The spirit of inquiry

<div><p>Without a face or a voice to convey emotion, written text can easily be misconstrued as being terse, sarcastic, snarky, or even mean. </p></div><div><p><b>Always assume you don’t know the tone of any written communication you receive and openly inquire as to the emotions of your debate partner.</b></p></div>

Don't assume anything 

<div><p>If the emotions are high, debaters might assume that the other parties are against them.</p></div><div></div><div><p><b>Unless it's a life or death situation or your job is at stake, keep the emotion low and believe what the other party is communicating about their emotion and perspective. Keep the attacks on the facts.</b></p></div>

Give the benefit of the doubt

<div><p>An office or business is a fascinating ecosystem that often combines unlikely people in high-pressure ways without concern for personality, style, or methodology. Everyone just assumes that people will find a way to get along. In reality, it takes effort on everyone's part.<br></p></div><div></div><div><p><b>Start every debate thinking of the other person as your best friend. Seek to help them understand and feel good about the engagement at the beginning, middle and end.</b></p></div>

Treat others as comrades 

<div><p>Amazing leaders see any small conflict like a cockroach in a slum wall — if one shows up, there must be many more behind the surface. </p></div><div><p><b>When conflict arises unexpectedly, seize the opportunity to examine the circumstances and the underlying issues. You may find solutions that prevent huge systemic breakdowns or open you to massive new opportunities.</b></p></div>

Learning and winning

<div><p>It’s okay to let things heat up during a debate, but you have to release the pressure after the battle or resentment will occur and build in an aggregated matter.</p></div><div><p><b>After a debate, you have the responsibility to make sure everyone is whole, even if it means you have to apologize for taking things too far for the circumstances. </b></p></div>

Being comfortable with the process

Some people just love to argue. They will use any opportunity to debate or challenge. Constant debate is not a problem in itself; most brilliance comes from healthy and passionate conflict. The challenge occurs when people argue or create conflict without a positive purpose. Differing styles of debate can also create difficult issues in the workplace.