Consider this week’s blog a public service announcement.  The U-S presidential race heats up with the Republican National Convention about to take place in Milwaukee.  Politics can bring out the worst in people.  It seems we’ve lost our ability to disagree with dignity.  Unfortunately, too many disagreements end up in disrespecting the other person.  In John Maxwell’s newest book “High Road Leadership” he writes, “We no longer see people on the other side as merely disagreeing.  We see them as disagreeable.  We assume their motives are wrong. And the moment we think a person’s motives are wrong we lose trust.”  Wow, that seems to hit the nail on the head.

As good leaders we need to eliminate this attitude and help the people we lead do the same.  I get it…it’s not easy.  We’ve become so polarized.  The popular phrase “DO YOU” hasn’t helped because it seems to encourage us not to consider any other perspective beyond our own and people can go straight to HATE pretty fast.  Maya Angelou said, “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world but has not solved one yet.” That’s the truth!

As leaders I think we have a responsibility to promote love not hate and strengthen our ability to embrace respectful conflict.  Don’t get me wrong, we don’t have to agree with everything or everyone, but we’ve got to be able to disagree with dignity.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, teams that engage in constructive conflict demonstrate higher levels of creativity and better problem-solving abilities. The study found that 56% of high-performing teams openly discussed differing viewpoints respectfully, compared to only 21% of low-performing teams.

Conflict is inevitable in any dynamic workplace. When managed well, disagreements can lead to innovation, better decision-making, and stronger relationships. However, it’s essential to navigate these differences with respect and dignity.

The Value of Respectful Disagreement

Respectful disagreement is not only a sign of maturity but also a catalyst for growth. Harvard Business Review highlights that constructive conflict can enhance team performance and lead to more innovative solutions. However, the way disagreements are handled can make all the difference.

Gallup's research shows employees who feel their opinions are valued are 4.6 times more likely to perform their best work. Encouraging respectful disagreement fosters a culture where employees feel heard and valued, leading to higher engagement and productivity.

A report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that respectful workplace cultures significantly reduce employee turnover. Organizations that promote open, respectful dialogue saw a 50% decrease in turnover rates compared to those with more contentious environments.

Strategies for Embracing Respectful Disagreement

Listen Actively: Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. This approach demonstrates respect and ensures that all viewpoints are considered. As Stephen Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," stated, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood."

Focus on Facts, Not Personalities: Keeping disagreements focused on issues and facts rather than personal attributes helps maintain respect. Avoiding personal attacks and using neutral language can prevent conflicts from escalating.

Use “I” Statements: Expressing your viewpoints using “I” statements rather than “you” statements can reduce defensiveness. For example, saying “I feel that we should explore other options” is more constructive than “You are wrong about this approach.”

Agree to Disagree: Sometimes, despite best efforts, consensus can’t be reached. It’s important to recognize when to agree to disagree and move forward respectfully. This doesn’t mean giving up on your viewpoint but rather acknowledging the diversity of perspectives.

Seek Common Ground: Identifying areas of agreement can provide a foundation for resolving conflicts. Emphasizing shared goals and values can help bridge differences and foster mutual respect.

Disagreements are an inevitable part of life, but they don’t have to be destructive. By disagreeing often but NEVER disrespecting, our teams and our American political process can benefit from diverse perspectives, improved decision-making, and stronger relationships. Embrace the art of disagreeing with dignity, and watch your workplace and life transform into a more collaborative and innovative environment.