In a meeting, always leave someone a way out

Business meetings can easily become confrontational. Different ideas and personal agendas can lead to intense and heated encounters. Make your point solidly, but always leave the person on the opposite side of a topic a way out of a confrontational situation. Others in the room will see the validity of your point, and respect you for allowing the other person to save face. The other person will also realize and appreciate it. Remember, you may need this person's support on a future issue. If you make an enemy, you loose a future Ally. Industries are small communities, even in the global market. Your reputation is the most important thing you have. You could find yourself needing today's opponent as a recommendation for a future position, or he or she could end up being your boss.