Steps to correct a person in a positive and intelligent way

Finding an appropriate (and respectful) way to correct a person who holds a wrong idea is something we should all learn.. We are going through, after all, times in which fake news abounds and it is easy to take unequivocal data for granted. If there is something truly complex, it is fighting against that constant need that most of us have to “be right.”

Assuming that, sometimes, we make mistakes is essential. This exercise of true modesty is difficult, there is no doubt, and if it is difficult for us to assume that it is human to err, it is even more difficult to convince others of their wrong ideas. How to achieve this without leading to arguments? Is there a strategy to make someone aware of their mistake without causing tensions and more negative emotions to surface?

We could say that it is a matter of tact, when in reality it goes far beyond simple education or correction. You have to do it intelligently, in fact, sometimes, We must be prepared to be aware that it is even possible that we ourselves are the wrong ones..

It is, after all, about knowing how to fertilize the ground for dialogue in which respectful communication flourishesbut assertive, where the ideas flow and the arguments are appropriate.

So let’s see how to achieve it.

Strategies to correct a person who holds a wrong idea

We all want to be right. Defending our truth is a virus that runs throughout the world; We cling to our ideas like sails to their mast, like fire to a match. For many, assuming misunderstanding is a sign of weakness and almost no one likes to be refuted or shown that they are wrong in their judgment or assertion.

So, Who the most and who the least has had to correct a person who has a wrong idea on some occasion?. It is common, for example, for this to happen with people who are very close to us. It happens when, even having gone through the same experiences, each person remembers it in a different way and someone falls into the so-called “false memories.”

Our partner, our father or best friend may have confused dates or situations and, then, we try to convince them that certain things were never that way. If we don’t do it right, an argument is likely to arise.

Another example in this matter can occur in a work context. Who has not had to make a colleague see that what they said or did was not true or accurate?

These situations are familiar to most of us and let’s admit it, we would love to be able to handle them more successfully. So let’s look at some keys.

Start with something positive, don’t go straight to highlighting the mistake

When correcting a person who holds a wrong idea It is not advisable to start with expressions like “Let’s see, what you say is not true”, “that’s not like that”, “look, you’re doing it wrong”, etc. The terms “No” and “Evil” in themselves will make the person in front of us defensive right from the start.

The ideal is to be skillful and argue things closely, making an entry as positive as possible.. For example, “Yes, it is true that we went to that town to visit, and it is also true that we stayed in a fairly old hostel. That I give you the reason. Now, your brother was not on that trip because at that time he still works in (…) »

To correct a person who holds a wrong idea, watch your tone of voice.

When we correct someone, When we point out his mistake or wrong approach, it is very easy to use, almost instinctively, an authoritarian, ironic or confrontational tone.. It is something that should be avoided 100%.

Argue, offer data or your truth will not be truer than the other person’s

When correcting a person who holds a wrong idea We do not have to start by making it clear that the one who has the truth is us.. Because a truth without arguments comes to nothing, because a fact without data to support it is smoke escaping through a window.

In this way, to make people see (without imposing) and demonstrate that we are the ones who are right, it is necessary to offer solid arguments. And to do this you have to communicate, give detailed and objective information in an assertive manner. In addition, It is essential that we listen empathetically to be able to respond appropriately.

Assume that we cannot always convince the other

Indeed, Sometimes it can happen: we are not always able to make the other see their mistake. Thus, when correcting a person who holds a wrong idea, we must assume that there are those who do not want to see things differently. This occurs, for example, with cases as complex as someone defending the anti-vaccine movement or with Jehovah’s Witnesses and the problem of blood transfusions.

There are facts that we cannot understand and that occur every day because we already enter into issues of values, religions, fanaticisms and those ideological misunderstandings that are so difficult to debate. Making someone who makes their false truth their invulnerable shield see the error is often something as complex as it is exasperating.

In these situations and other lighter ones (such as those related to false memories) and where the other person insists on defending their position, we only have acceptance. Whether we want it or not, we are almost forced to live in a world in which, at times, everyone defends their false truth.

To the extent possible we will try to debate them calmly and intelligently, with success and assertiveness. But if we don’t get anywhere, it is best to retire unscathed and with the least emotional cost.

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