To Agree or Disagree: Art or Science

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To Agree or DisagreeArt or Science

• Valerie Taylor
• Department of Computer Science
• Texas AM University

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The Journey

• Finished PhD at UCB (1991)
• Joined faculty, Northwestern
• Assistant Professor 1991-1997
• Associate Professor 1997-2002
• Hopper Conference
• Tapia Conference
• Full Professor 2002
• CISE Advisory Board
• Department Head, TAMU 2003
• Faculty, Staff, Students
• Boards CRA, DSB

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Disagree

• According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary
• To fail to agree
• To differ in opinion
• To cause discomfort or distress

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Focus
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Main Issues

• How to disagree?
• When to disagree?

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How to Disagree?

• Premise 1 Opinions are based upon sincere
  thought and passion (emotion)
• Premise 2 One appreciates recognition of time
  devoted to thought and passion
• Premise 3 No one wants to be embarrassed

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How to Disagree?

• Acknowledge the other persons opinions
• Repeat the opinion
• Find something positive in the opinion
• Connect your opinion
• Allow others to enter the conversation
• Be aware of your position
• Know when you have achieved win-win

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When to disagree?

• Premise 1 One is knowledgeable of meeting
  agenda and prepared
• Premise 2 One has listened to the complete
  points of the other person(s)
• May require notes

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When to Disgree?

• After a person has finished
• When you can articulate what has been said
• Ready to handle the consequences

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To Disagree

• An art gained through experiences