We seem to have lost the ability to enjoy time with friends and family because we do not know how to react when someone shares a different opinion with us? We have found that our work environment and even our education institutions are now focused on ‘consensus’ rather than respectful debate. We have seen the emergence of ‘cancel culture’ when people say things that others disagree with.
“So, a mistake is made, a word is spoken out of turn, a cultural norm is broken, and all is fair in the pursuit of cancelling this person, erasing them off the face of the earth, banishing them to a world of shame and regret.” Aysha Taryam
While each side of politics blames the other for the emergence of cancel culture, the truth is we have seen the emergence of social media bubbles and echo chambers that confirm what we think rather than challenge us. And often, we find it easier to simply ‘delete’ or unfollow someone that engages in what they say.
We have lost the art of respectful disagreement.
What suffers is our ability to be curious, enjoy healthy tensions, experience the learning power of discomfort, and take advantage of the diversity of opinions and experiences in our organizations.
Respectful Disagreement is part of the Brave Spaces Project: it is about reclaiming the art of respectful disagreement and ensuring a cultural shift in your organization that is open, supportive, learning, and innovative.