4 Ways to Turn Discord at Work Into Great Decisions

While disagreeing may be uncomfortable, research tells us that diverse thinking is far more likely to lead to progress, innovations and breakthroughs than “nice” conversations where people hide what they really think. 

But how do you foster productive debate on your team? Writing in the Harvard Business Review, Shane Snow, author of Dream Teams: Working Together Without Falling Apart, offers four tips:

1. Remember that you are all on the same team: Remind everyone they are teammates, not adversaries, and there is no “winner.” The goal is not to convince people that you are right, but rather to find the best solution, and all viewpoints are welcome.
2. Keep it about facts, logic, and the topic at hand: Facts are different than interpretations of facts so stick to what is known. If the debate veers into other topics, acknowledge that and reset. Remember: “The debate is not about who cares more, who’s loudest, or who’s most powerful.”
3. Don’t make it personal: To depersonalize disagreements, agree that there will be no judgments or name calling, and that no one will lose face for changing their mind. “Instead of questions like ‘how could you believe that?’ or ‘why can’t you see…?’, try posing ‘what’ questions instead, such as ‘what makes you feel that way?’ or ‘what has led you to that conclusion?’”
4. Be intellectually humble: Listen to and respect every person and viewpoint. Be curious. Admit when you realize you are wrong, and graciously cheer on other ideas, different from your own.

How do you keep a debate on track when it seems to be veering? To join the conversation, click "comments" above -- we'd love to hear from you!

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