What are the best ways to communicate with a partner when you disagree?

When a disagreement occurs between people, develop a habit of stopping your thoughts, feelings, and counter-arguments. This is no judgement on their validity. In most situations, you don't need to respond quicker than you can begin to reason through a disagreement. Take this pause to remember this simple and true fact. You and those you disagree with work together for a reason. Someone (maybe you, the partner, both of you....maybe someone else) saw value in connecting you with one another. Whatever it might be - certain skills, experiences, geographies, education, etc. It could be because you don't agree with each other (not unlike President Lincoln's team of rivals model for his cabinet). Use this fact as a positive starting point.

Firstly, Respect the partner's viewpoint. Secodly, Explanation the different point between them and ours. Thirdly, Persuade them to try our viewpoint firstly and see the result and value. Finally, when they realized the value of different viewpoint, they will also accept your point or change their thought.

In matters of ethics, principles and values which are close to your heart, be firm and clear. No compromises. In matters where you are clearly at fault, accept and apologize. In matters where you are quite sure that the other person is wrong, speak softly and explain with logic. What we all love to do is to give a sharp counter attack, ("don't act smart, don't show me 'holier-than-thou' attitude, If you point one finger at me, I have four fingers to point at you" etc. etc.) because it gives us a lot of ego satisfaction! Unfortunately these will only lead to complicating the matter and hardening of stands! The last advise above is something I keep on giving to myself, and still unsuccessful in following it!

Do you believe your partner is acting in good faith? If you do, how can you demonstrate you are doing the same? Emotional interaction needs to be constructive. It cannot be overwhelming negative with complaining and negativity. People have bad days. Life happens and sometimes everyone needs a little help and slack. Also, creativity can blossom when people feel they can more freely express themselves. With that being said, it's important for people to perform their work in a professional manner. There simply cannot be free rein for a person to allow their emotional behavior to adversely impact their work product and relationships. If a partner becomes overly emotional in a negative manner, that person is right for that job.

What interests are compromised is largely dependent on the nature of the relationship with your partner. If you are true partners with ownership stakes in a business or are peers/near peers this is a much more significant topic. This issue can become sensitive in volunteer situations where there is no financial incentive to stay with a group/organization/cause. The simplest situation is when both partners are employees for someone else. Then the ruling interest should be that of the employer.

When conflict arises, I prefer to meet with my main point of contact for a call as soon as possible. Oftentimes the assumed undertones of an email can only grow our divide. Speaking to someone 1:to:1 allows you to hear their tone and better understand their frustration and priorities. In any conflict or negotiation, understanding what is truly important to the other party can be the difference between a long & prosperous relationship or a failed partnership.