KORTRIJK – Veerle Lisabeth calls herself a ‘professional arguer’. As a recognized mediator, she has been guiding companies, governments, organizations and private individuals in managing conflicts for decades. Her conclusion? There is too little arguing in West Flemish companies. However, arguing is something very natural and meaningful. Moreover, every argument can be ‘made’ (repaired), says the professional arguer.
For Veerle Lisabeth it is quite simple. Le shock of ideas really exists. In other words, confrontation that leads to innovation.
“Do you know the proverb: ‘It is quiet where the wind never blows?’” she says. “That is actually the origin of the word quarrel. Arguing comes from the word ‘rustling’. If there is noise in the communication between people, it is annoying. People simply have different opinions. So noise cannot be avoided. Even more: it is healthy, because it encourages innovation and growth. Unfortunately, we were taught it at a young age. We weren’t allowed to argue. Today I turn it around: we have to learn to argue respectfully again.”
How best to argue?
On her brand new website www.ruzie-maker.be, Veerle Lisabeth explains how to argue and how you can benefit from differences of opinion. Argument is also a highly charged word that usually encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, ranging from differences of opinion to tensions, conflicts and even war. The good news, however, is that every argument can also be ‘fixed’ (repaired).
Says Veerle Lisabeth: “I will not only mediate in companies, I also teach them how they can deal with tensions and conflicts themselves. Prevention is better than cure. On my website you will get an overview of training courses and topics that I organize tailored to each company, government or organization.”
More info:
www.ruzie-maker.be
