Position-focused challenge contests an idea, assumption, method or decision, whereas person-focused attack targets the other communicator’s self-concept, such as their intelligence, character or competence. The distinction permits vigorous disagreement without conflating it with disparagement, and it marks the line between argument and verbal aggressiveness.
- Entry typeKey concept
- Category of its source unitMeasurement & Assessment Instruments
- DomainConflict & Negotiation
What these mean
Editorial orientation · Entry type
Key concept
Key concepts are the working vocabulary of the field: the terms that the models and tools rely on and that a decision about communication has to use precisely. Each entry defines the term and sends you to the brief or the self-guided audit where it is put to work.
Editorial orientation · Category
Measurement & Assessment Instruments
Produces measures, scores, profiles or assessments through defined items, observations or measurement rules. The entry identifies what is measured and the conditions governing interpretation.