Arguing could be a very good thing - the power of cognitive diversity While diverse thinking and disagreements can be uncomfortable, they are more likely to lead partners or a team to make progress, innovate, and come up with breakthrough solutions than consensus and “nice” conversations in which people hold back what they think. Research tells us that cognitive diversity makes a group smarter. Two heads are, indeed, better than one, and many heads are even better, especially when everyone is willing to share their expertise and opinions. Studies also show that most mergers and acquisitions don’t fail because of conflict. They fail from the “organizational silence”! In fact arguing could be a very good thing if we train people to do it in a healthy way. ❇️ Remember we’re all on the same team. Just about all debates fall into one of three categories: The kind where the goal is to persuade people you’re right; the kind where the goal is to look better than your opponent; and the kind where the goal is to find better solutions together. The third is the one that helps us get the most out of a group’s cognitive diversity. To steer people in that direction, set the stage by kicking off the discussion with a shared goal, a spirit of inquiry, and emphasis that everyone is on the same team. Offer these reminders: We’re here together in the spirit of inquiry, as comrades, not adversaries. ❇️ Tell people to follow these rules: The debate is not about who cares more, who’s loudest, who’s most powerful, or who’s most articulate. No tricky rhetorical tactics. Distinguish between facts and interpretations. Identify logical fallacies, and rewind. Check the validity of assertions of fact, and analyze the quality of the evidence, not just the evidence. If the debate veers into other topics, acknowledge it and reset. ❇️ Don’t make it personal. Arguments tend to fracture when people feel like their ideas or identities are coming under attack. Emotion and ego begin to play a much bigger role and everyone becomes less likely to appreciate others’ points of view, which greatly reduces the potential for innovation or problem-solving. Reward people for carrying the group forward! ❇️ Be intellectually humble. For a debate to truly be productive, participants need to be willing to respect every viewpoint and change their minds when necessary. This is what psychologists call intellectual humility, and it’s one of the most important skills a good leader — and productive debater — can develop. ❇️ Don’t take things personally. Listen to and respect every person and their viewpoint, even if you disagree. Admit when you realize you’re wrong, and cheerfully concede when others have good points. ❇️ Be curious. Even bad ideas can be useful; they can help us find new and better ideas. It’s important for everyone involved in a discourse But leaders should be the first to hold themselves accountable to them. #conflictmanagement #peopleandculture #leadership
Never take things personally — and listen and consider every viewpoint, even if you disagree.
