Jim saw the negotiations sliding off track. Both he and Bill, the man across the table, wanted the deal done. But they had a list of differences to settle. All that morning, Jim watched as Bill’s answers shortened and his face grew longer. Tensions mounted and prospects dimmed.
Then Jim asked a simple question. He said: “Bill, are you angry with me?” Bill paused. He let out a deep breath and said, “No, but I was angry at the situation. I apologize. Now, let’s get this done.”
This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge. Funny thing about anger—in the face of gentle honesty, it often diffuses. The best solution typically runs straight through the problem … in the high calling of our daily work.
