The Power of Constructive Disagreement
Some cultures and companies are known to disguise criticism as compliments, by “sugarcoating” the tough stuff. Americans are notorious for this, in fact. While chronic sugarcoaters may have the best intentions, staying mum about difficult topics in the workplace could actually complicate matters further. Whether it’s about two employees with different working styles, managing a conflict in the office, or trying to offer an opinion on an idea that might misfire, sometimes it’s tough to disagree. Miscommunication in the workplace can be caused by differences in generation, background, and experiences, but it’s imperative to push your employees to speak honestly with one another. By striving to foster a healthy working environment, you’ll encourage an attitude of open interaction and communication. It may be second nature to try and avoid conflict, but teach your employees to see these differences in opinion as “constructive disagreement,” and learn how your office can benefit from your staff’s collective perspectives.
