Stubborn describes a behaviour that is considered inappropriate by most people.  More to the point, when we characterize someones behaviour as stubborn it’s not a compliment.

When a person is percieved to display dogged determination not to change their attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so, we lable them stubborn.

Subjectivity

Like so many things related to behaviour classification, stubborness has a significant subjective quality.  The assessment is largely based on the assessors perception and opinion.

The most subjective part of the assessment relates to the motivation of the resistance to change.  That is, deciding the stubborn person is resisting change, though there is no good reason for them to do so.

The subjective  part hinges around an opinion relative to the quality of the arguments for changing anothers attitude.  Typically the “stubborn” person does not see it that way.

Ergo, someone who behaves stubbornly from your perspective might not agree with you.  This can lead to entrenched positions by all parties, a situation not conducive to resolution.

Seeking Positive Outcomes

Not surprisingly when one person percieves stubborn behaviour in another the natural response is to develop their own stubborn behaviour.  Ultimately, to an outside observer, the discussion begins to resemble two brick walls with strong foundations, spouting barbs.

Help is at hand.  This is where your self awareness is a key tool.  Recognize the rising stubborness in yourself and in the moment use self talk to remind yourself escalating stubborness on the part of all parties never leads to resolution.

Relax, agree with the party you view as stubborn.  This technique invariably creates a small opening where your opponent become slightly receptive.  After all they now believe you get it.

Slowly  using continued reinforcement of agreement you ply your points and with time and patience a place of mutual agreement can be achieved.  The key here is iteratively building receptivity to discussion (softly) and using this to slowly achieve common ground.