It can be done better, but you need to not only pick up a few tactics, a few ideas, and some general understanding. People are hard-wired to argument, and they don't have to be. There are excellent alternatives and they all begin with learning how to negotiate. The benefits you realize from developing the skill will reward you all through your life. Good negotiators do.
People have different personalities, skills, authority, risk temperament, intelligence.
BUT, when you sit down across from someone, you assume you already have them figured out. Let's go back to your own Personality. They are very important for you to not only understand your own motivations and style of communicating, but also to understand how others are different. You can take a simple and effective Personality review of your feelings and behavior right from this site. Go to Personality Profile and take advantage of an opportunity to have a completely confidential, fast review that will give you insightful comment on nine aspects of your behavior.