Voice of disagreement vs difference
When we bring our ‘voice of disagreement’ we intend to defend our position. When we bring our ‘voice of difference’ we intend to offer alternative perspectives.
Teams that flounder direct their energy in asserting their positions and achieve a compromised outcome.
Teams that flourish direct their energy to collaborate around differencing perspectives and secure greater commitment to an acceptable outcome.
To transition to become a flourishing, high performing team, commit to:
Accept team members see things differently. Rather than judge others’ difference, seek to learn from the differences.
Advocate your perspective with respect and legitimacy – not because it is ‘right or better’ but because it’s different.
Inquire into others’ perspective intending to learn, not assess similarity.
Your voice matters – it makes a difference.