If there is debate among the team, does it matter who is right?
Maybe that is the wrong question. Choosing what is right does matter. But it doesn't (and shouldn't) matter who is right. Often, strong team members, with great ideas and conviction, will argue for their particular points of view. This kind of debate is healthy, and generally ends up delivering a better product. I want the team to debate, play Devil's advocate, flesh out the details and come to some conclusions about choosing a course of action. This helps to balance perspective, and ultimately creates broader appeal for the product.
Enter the problem. A team member vociferously defends his position, openly criticizes (even attacks) dissenting views, and alienates other members of the team. Who loses? We all do. The morale of the team is damaged (maybe irreparably) and momentum gets lost. Sure, we may be able to develop consensus following this kind of unhealthy exchange, but the damage is done. And what about the dissenting team member? In six months, no one will remember what the argument was about, but they will remember the behaviors. These impressions are set and will never go away.
We have all felt passionately about our positions and wanted to see our vision realized. I encourage everyone to exercise this passion. Realize, however, that you are always being evaluated as a team member. How you disagree is as important as what you disagree with.
To get more perspective on this issue, see a previous post, Strong Opinions and Conscience-Directed Change, and Bob Sutton's Strong Opinions, Held Weakly.
No comments:
Post a Comment