This post has been brewing in my head for a while and is very close to the core of who I am. Simply I believe that a couple of bright people thrashing out an idea is the best way to get to a great solution. This is pretty old hat but not for all, corporate culture really dictates whether this happens or not.
The past two jobs I have had I have had two very different environments, one where debate was EXPECTED and another where it is not. Here are my findings:
1) Debate does create better solutions
2) It helps train junior people faster as they ask more questions
3) It helps avoid mistakes, if the CEO is making a bad call many people will challenge the call
4) Good people are attracted to companies where bright people interact and debate business issues
5) It makes works interesting
6) Employees feel like they are in control of the companies future
This all sounds really good, but many senior people react very negatively to debate and whenever their ideas are challenged, so how would you react if a guy two days on the job said he thought you were making a mistake? Will you listen or will human nature kick in?
Sunday, August 29, 2010
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