Your perspective matters, but it’s limited by your own experience. The same is true for everyone else on your team. That’s why it’s so important to consider different perspectives in the workplace. Seeing things through a different lens allows you to consider ideas you may not have considered before. It also helps prevent groupthink, which is when everyone on the team agrees with each other just for the sake of harmony.
However, even if you disagree with someone, try to listen to their perspective. Terri Klass, a certified professional coach, recommends looking at children as an example. When they have an issue, they take turns sharing their thoughts. They disagree, she says, but they never spend too much time dwelling on who wins the argument. By staying open-minded and curious, Klass says we all can reach better solutions.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share her thoughts on the gift of different opinions in the workplace.
1. It helps reduce groupthink. When members on a team always agree, Klass says the results may consistently fall flat. At your next meeting, coach your team to avoid saying statements like, “That won’t work” and “We’ve tried that, and it doesn’t make sense.” Try to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas.
2. It encourages strategic listening. One way you can do this is to put each staff member with a partner and give them both a chance to be a speaker and a listener. The listener doesn’t interrupt and asks questions only when the speaker is complete. Then have them swap roles. This exercise is important, Klass says, because it promotes strategic listening.
3. It leads to deeper discussions. Embracing different perspectives leads to more meaningful conversations. Instead of simply assigning tasks and getting updates, use your meetings to ask for everyone’s viewpoints. You might discover that some of your goals even change as a result of these discussions. Klass recommends giving everyone advanced notice to come prepared with their ideas. During the meeting, you may also want to use a timer so each person has the same amount of time and no one monopolizes the conversation.
4. It leads to stronger innovation. When you create a culture of acceptance of different options, Klass says you often benefit from increased innovation. Creative suggestions may turn into new approaches, and what may have seemed unconventional at first might end up being the best solution.
5. It helps leaders grow their craft. We grow our leadership by learning new skills and gaining knowledge in areas that were once unfamiliar, Klass says. When we empower ourselves to hear different opinions and add them to our leadership toolbox, we develop a growth mindset.
Every perspective is important. Aim to get input from each team member and let go of thinking that ideas are “right” or “wrong.” When you stay open, you create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to bring their ideas to the table.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Teri Klass, CPCC, MBA is a certified professional coach and leadership skills training consultant.
