As business professionals, we often have to discuss contentious topics. In most cases, each side tries to build a logical argument from A to B to C to make their point. But when you encounter what’s known as “non sequitur,” you know something has gone wrong.
A non sequitur is Latin for “it does not follow,” and that’s exactly what it is: a statement or conclusion that doesn’t logically result from the previous argument. It’s a mental break that disrupts the natural flow of thought, leaving the conversation in an impasse.
We see examples of non sequitur all the time. For example, a retailer might decide to raise the price of their products and use the following argument: “Our customers will appreciate the higher quality.” However, this statement does not follow logically from the decision to raise prices; thus, it is a non sequitur.
Using Non Sequitur to Your Advantage
Though non sequitur may seem like an obstacle to overcome, understanding it can actually be beneficial. By recognizing non sequitur, you can identify when an argument is veering off the logical path and into a mental dead-end. Discussions can then be guided back to their original point, and a productive conversation can be had.
Overall, the Power of Non Sequitur
Non sequitur is an important concept to understand for business professionals. Recognizing when a conversation is heading off-track due to a non sequitur can help to steer it back in the right direction. When it comes to finding a logical path forward, non sequitur can be a powerful tool.