It’s okay to disagree. It’s not okay to be disagreeable. There’s a subtle but important difference between the two.
· Decisions are made
· After healthy debate.
· Once made, all must support
· The group’s consensus decision.
· That’s how things progress over time.
We’ve all participated in brainstorming and decision-making sessions. Ideas are shared, discussions ensue, everyone participates, and a consensus is reached. That’s how it’s supposed to happen. Good leaders make sure that everyone has an opportunity to express their views, sometimes needing to draw shy people into the discussion. They ask questions like “tell me more”, “are you sure”, and thank all who participate. That ensures that it happens. But every now and then, there are some who don’t agree and complain afterward – when that happens, leaders need to review whether they really did get everyone engaged. If they did, they then should discuss the notion that it’s okay to disagree but not to be disagreeable – meaning, express your disagreement in a manner that encourages continuous improvement. Good ideas can always be improved; complaining, just to complain, accomplishes nothing. This is one of the many responsibilities of leaders – to communicate effectively, encourage continually, and manage appropriately. Disagreeable behavior brings nothing to a group’s performance – encourage your employees to actively participate and fight for what they believe in today.
John Sidney McCain III (1936 – 2018): American politician and United States Navy officer who served as a United States senator from Arizona.
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