During my information-gathering session with Katie and Mike, they shared an interaction in which Mike gave his point of view, and Katie said, “I disagree!” I could see Mike react to this statement, and then they volleyed back and forth about who was right.

I normally don’t give a lot of feedback in this first session, but thought it would be helpful to them. I suggested to Katie that instead of saying, “I disagree,” change it to “I have a different point of view.” This subtle change can move a contentious interchange into a respectful discussion of their varying points of view. 

Since I sensed that their in-session interaction showed up regularly, I wanted to give a take away that they could work on, even before our first working session.