To increase cooperation among co-workers, replace conflict-provoking statements with more tactful language. Here’s how:
| Don’t say: | Say: |
| “Do this” | “Here’s what we need to do.” |
| “You’re wrong.” | “Why do you say that?” |
| “I disagree.” | “I see things a little differently.” |
| “You’re confusing me.” | “I’m confused.” |
| “Who did it?” | “What happened?” |
| “That’s not my job.” | “Let’s find out who can help with this problem.” |