Monday Musing: What if we saw disagreements not as conflicts, but as opportunities? 

We’re all different, with unique ideas, experiences, and perspectives—and thank goodness for that! Can you imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same? Given our differences, it’s only natural that we don’t always agree. What truly matters is how we listen to and engage with these differing viewpoints.

Healthy disagreements or debates promote growth, curiosity, learning, and creative thinking. In the workplace, this can lead to innovation and improved team dynamics.

One aspect that’s often overlooked is developing a set of ‘rules’ for engagement. We frequently assume that everyone ‘knows’ how to engage, which often means projecting our own norms onto others. Instead, it’s essential to agree on a collective set of rules. Imagine how chaotic things would be if you tried to play a sport with no rules—conversations and debates are no different!

By establishing clear guidelines for how to engage in discussions and disagreements, we create a framework that fosters respect and understanding. These rules don’t stifle creativity; rather, they provide a safe space for it to flourish. Everyone knows the boundaries and expectations, which can lead to more productive and meaningful conversations. 

Two things I try to be conscious of are:

1. Leaders speak last – Even if I’m the strongest voice in the room or hold certain authority (e.g., as a Chair), I make sure to listen to others first.

2. Encouraging devil’s advocacy – Actively  emboldening someone to be a devil’s advocate so we don’t just give permission for constructive challenge but actively design for it.

To ensure healthy and productive debate, decide on some rules for you and your team to follow—check out the image below for some ideas to consider when developing your rules. 

How do you usually perceive disagreements? Could you start viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than conflicts?

  Encourage your team to engage in healthy debates and voice their opinions and ideas without fear.

P.S. Head over to today’s Love Mondays More for tips on boosting your leadership communication skills and creating a culture of respect and innovation within your team.

What I’ve been up to over the week that was.

Some days it all goes to plan and that was Saturday. Wonderful to be at Adelaide Oval with my gorgeous wife to witness an incredible performance by Port Adelaide, breaking all kinds of records on their way to a 112-point victory of the ladder leaders.

It’s a privilege to get to work with the football program on all things leadership and culture, and it’s a joy to watch them get reward for their hard work and dedication like this. Onward! 💪

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