When people disagree about what to do.
WHAT THIS COVERS
Different views on approach, priority or method.
WHY IT IS NOT NECESSARILY A PROBLEM
Disagreement about work is how better decisions are reached.
WHAT MAKES IT PRODUCTIVE
It is about the work rather than the person Both parties are heard A decision is actually made Those who disagreed still commit
WHAT MAKES IT DESTRUCTIVE
It becomes personal It is never resolved The decision is reopened continuously The losing party undermines it
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who decides.
WHY
Most persistent disagreement continues because nobody has the authority to end it.
WHAT TO DO
Hear both positions properly, then decide, and say why.
WHY EXPLAIN THE REASONING
People accept decisions they disagree with when they understand the basis.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH AFTERWARDS
That the decision is made and everyone proceeds with it.
WHAT TO ADDRESS
Continued undermining after a decision.
WHY
Disagreement is acceptable; non-compliance is not.
WHAT TO ASK BEFORE DECIDING
What would change your view What evidence would settle this Whether there is a way to test it
WHY
Some disagreements are resolvable by evidence rather than authority.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Trying one approach, with a review point.
WHY
It converts an argument into an experiment.
WHAT TO AVOID
Compromising to avoid the disagreement Deciding without hearing both sides Leaving it unresolved
WHY COMPROMISE CAN FAIL
An averaged decision is sometimes worse than either option.
