Would you agree that if everyone agreed all the time, the world would be a pretty boring place?
Furthermore, if everyone agreed all the time, the world would be stagnant. There would be no reason to consider different perspectives or look at new ways to complete tasks. The Colonel said, “I don’t have to agree with everything you say or do. In fact, if we disagree now and then, we both have an opportunity to grow.”
Abraham Lincoln, who is heavily studied for his inherent and unconventional leadership skills, made a decision to fill his cabinet with rivals and dissenting voices. He expressed that, at a time when the country was in crisis, the last thing he needed by his side was a basket of “yes-men.” This decision allowed him access to a very wide range of opinions which, he believed, would sharpen his own strategic thinking and analysis. Creative problem solving is best achieved when people disagree. When we don’t see eye to eye, we need to be willing to put everything on the table and take a good hard look at what our options are. Without differing opinions, the options are often limited to a few similar ideas.
Conflict is often what builds the character of the team and its individuals. Respectfully working through conflict provides an environment that can, with the right guidance, make the team stronger as a result. Making sure that everyone has a voice (even if it is the voice of dissent), and that everyone feels their voice is being respectfully heard, is a vital component of leadership.
Being open to dissenting opinions helps you build your strategic thinking, be open minded to different alternatives, and focus on what’s best for the team as well as the organization.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.
