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. Our work environment and even educational institutions are now focused on ‘consensus’ rather than the healthy tensions that emerge from respectful debate. We have seen the emergence of ‘cancel culture’ when people say things that others disagree with.
It seems that we are often too afraid to speak or disagree.
While each side of politics blames the other for the emergence of ‘cancel culture’, it has become endemic across the political spectrum. Conservatives accuse progressives of excessive political correctness, progressives argue conservatives attack anyone who challenges certain beliefs.
We have also 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 than engage 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 about reclaiming the art of respectful disagreement and ensuring a culture that is open, supportive, learning, and innovative within your organization.
Self-censoring
A recent study by a leading think tank in the USA, The CATO Institute, found that 62 percent of Americans say they have political views they are afraid to share. This is taking shape in concerning ways: 50 percent of strong liberals support firing Trump donors, 36 percent of strong conservatives support firing Biden donors; 32 percent are worried about missing out on job opportunities because of their political opinions. This is leading to people actually moving neighborhoods to be with those whose political views they agree with – a process described as ‘the big sort.’
While this is an American phenomenon, we are starting to witness similar trends appearing in Australia.
Political disagreement is why we avoid spending time with family: we do not know how to enjoy someone’s company if we disagree with them.
In other words, we are self-censoring in many ways: from what we say, to who we see and how we engage with those around us.
How should we respond?
Currently, many organizations are focused on growing their diversity. This is vitally important and is required across the commercial, education, not-for-profit, and government sectors. Diversity across gender, ethnicity, and life experience are all fundamental for vibrancy.
Not having space for healthy and respectful disagreements undermines all other organizational drivers and initiatives.
What is required is a cultural change that encourages respectful disagreement, ensures people have the skills to raise counter perspectives, and understand how to accept critique of their own position.
This is what drives the respectful disagreements project.