Having Productive Debates

We would have attended multiple meetings in our work. We share your ideas - and try to reach a consensus which is extremely hard. The key is to keep the thoughts and ideas flowing, albeit in a controlled manner. Diversity nurtures innovation and helps people clarify their stand and make better decisions.

The key idea is to manage a smooth flow of thoughts without turning them into shouting matches. Here are a few rules on how to debate productively:

All are on the same team. Keep reinforcing this message to keep the debate on track:

Everyone has a common goal. We are teammates, not adversaries. It is not about who wins the argument, or whose idea gets picked. We succeed when the idea creates impact. No hierarchy in idea-sharing. All perspectives are welcome.

Keep it all about the facts. Let everyone follow these simple rules:

• This is not about the loudest voice in the room. It is about being the sanest voice in the room. Keep it logical.

• Keep facts and interpretation separate. If drifting away from the main issues, pause and reset.

• Focus on the quality of the evidence to steer towards a decision.

Don’t make it personal. Make it about others and not yourself. Judge ideas, not people. It is OK to change your side (in fact, everyone must appreciate it). Promote moving the discussion forward (instead of being right).

Be humble, listen more. Cultivate humility and be an active listener. A few steps here:

• Listen and respect every person’s viewpoint; Be polite in disagreement and humble in conceding when you are wrong.

• Develop the curiosity to understand the opposing point of view. Think in the other person’s shoes as you listen to them.

Reference: How to debate ideas productively at work?, Harvard Business Review, Jan 2019