Thank you, intellectual friction!

We’re better together... unless you're sitting in an echo chamber.

Are you surrounded by people that think differently than you?

Having both inherent and acquired aspects of diversity in your team are key for a number of reasons, but here's the one that's on my mind this week.

Intellectual friction. 

Because, while I lead workshops and experiences around this, I also live it. 

I had a series of meetings recently where a decision needed to be made, and some very different and strong opinions were held. I say a series of meetings, because, honestly, we needed to break a few times in order to work through it.

The first time it was due to time. We spent more time discussing something than we expected. Everyone had a chance to share but it ate into other agenda items. It was a productive discussion and we agreed we'd step away and come back with fresh energy. 

The second time, the reason was my state. We started the meeting and one member of the team gave a very detailed summary of what we had discussed last time. This is one of the differences between us, I’m fast paced and more big picture, she is detail oriented and thorough. I could see I was getting impatient. I found myself wanting to hurry up (actually it seemed what I really wanted in that moment was to talk more so people could agree with me). Taking a few deep breaths, I could recognize I wasn’t in the right state for the productive conversation we intended to have. I also observed there were some other things, outside influences, that were affecting my ability to manage this well in real time (what I really mean is I was very tired). I took full responsibility for my state and said something like, “We’re all committed to the best outcome, and I’m having a hard time to be fully present. I’m not in the right mindset to hear you fully now. Could we break now and come back at X time?”

So, it was the third time where we came together, had a good discussion, and made a decision. It was not the decision I would have made had I made it myself. It was better. Far better. 

It's intellectual friction that forces us each to look more critically at our own perspectives and consider some foundational questions we hadn't yet considered.

It's intellectual friction that reminds us of each of our unique strengths and encourages us to use them wisely.

It's intellectual friction that allows us to be better together, to make better decisions that lead to stronger outcomes.

But it's only possible when you've got the diversity there as well as the inclusive environment that leads to productive conversation: No one was afraid to speak up and share their divergent point of view. Differences were respected. Self-awareness (being able to recognize the state we're in) and honesty (here's what I need, and note it was without apology but with a proposed plan) were key. Humility, openness and flexibility are there, on top of a shared commitment to reach the best outcome.

Oh, and you may be thinking... does diversifying your team mean you have to slow down?

No, it doesn't! We may have had three meetings (total still under 2 hours) ; but consider the wasted time and the ultimate cost of an inferior decision made?!