Who's Right?

by Scott Harper

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes.”

Proverbs 21:2 (KJV)

December 17, 2025

Dillon shook his head. “He’s wrong! I don’t care what Joe said; he’s wrong.”

“How do you know?” Vanessa asked.

Dillon continued. “I’ve heard the opposite of what Joe said my entire life. Besides that, I’ve read plenty about it. I’ve studied it. I know I’m right.”

Vanessa nodded gently. “But, how do you know that what you’ve learned is right?”

Growing frustrated, Dillon snapped, “Everyone agrees with me—except Joe. I’m right! I know I’m right!”

Vanessa smiled.

Dillon curiously smiled back. “What’s so funny?”

“Joe told me the exact same things about why he is right.”

~~~~~~~~~~

As a leader, it’s frustrating when you can’t get everyone on board with the point you are trying to convey. Should that really be the goal? Disagreement shouldn’t be considered disrespectful, but an opportunity for discovery.

Leaders should not surround themselves with bobbleheads, but with those who will help them grow and lead well. If you want to lead well, don’t seek agreement; seek understanding.

Sharper Leader:

1.      Does it frustrate you when people disagree with you?

  • Action Step: Make a list of things you hold as “true,” and have a conversation with someone who believes otherwise. (Extra challenge: Do this by only asking questions and avoiding the word “why?”

 

2.      How does it make you feel when others refuse to listen to your “facts”?

  • Action Step: Instead of trying to convince them you’re right, ask sincere questions about why they believe they are right. (Just listen to their perspective.)   

 

3.      Are your relationships damaged when you can’t see eye-to-eye with someone else?

  • Action Step: While avoiding unsafe situations, listen to someone who seems to be on the opposite side of every topic as you and try to find common ground.  

 

Recommended book: The Book of Proverbs within the Holy Bible.    

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: Intentionally engage in a conversation with someone you find challenging to talk to because of your differences. As you talk, seek only commonalities.

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