Why are we always arguing? There must be a better way!

Is your team in disagreement or misalignment??

Disagreements

Some may call it "spirited discussion" or even "healthy debate". Look closer, is it really better named an argument?

Arguments and disagreements have a sense of right and wrong. My right and your wrong. What is the cost if this is your organization's style? Consider the following:

• The loudest and most assertive are not always right and may miss the most complete solution.
• ?Many personality styles don't enter into spirited debate. Their voices are not heard, their viewpoints are not fully considered. Their wisdom may be untapped.
• Authority carries ultimate responsibility however the burden of leadership isn't fully shared if the team is not enrolled and committed by having a voice in shaping the plan.

The ultimate costs are real. Low engagement, low commitment, high turnover, missed targets, blame games, late nights, etc. Real bottom line impacts.

True progress cannot be achieved when solutions have only winners and losers.

Misalignments

Reframing the issue as a?Misalignment?has tremendous power to find solutions which can be supported.?

How might this work??

1. There are always shared core values and visions. Remember and return to them. They are the shared "why".?

2. There is always a context for the issue and a proposed solution. Clarify both the issue and the proposed solution. Seek understanding.?

3. There is always time to recognize and bless our humanity. See, hear, understand, value and appreciate other humans and yourself.?

4. Of course, we will have issues with the proposed solution. Consider stating these as thoughtful concerns in wholehearted conversation.?

5. From this conversation, the initially proposed solution will emerge into a more complete solution. A refined solution in which all the voices have had a role in shaping.?

6. Through clarity and wholehearted conversation the new solution will be in a form in which the group can make clear their level of commitment.?

7. From this commitment comes focus, resources, and coordinated action towards a shared goal.?

When this becomes the new leadership culture the team works better together: better solutions develop faster; the process is creative and inclusive; and the team becomes even more committed and accountable. The team moves from Whine to Wow!

I have just summarized the core process contained in the book The Art of Alignment - A Practical Guide to Inclusive Leadership by Patty Beach.

I find the application and possibilities endless. The results are tangible and immediate.?

• Large scale societal divides
• Work disagreements that suck time, $'s, and joy?
• Interpersonal arguements that create rifts, silos and organizational chaos
• Our personal misalignments that show up as the biggest barrier to success being ourselves

I am a Certified Alignment Practioner for using the methods in The Art of Alignment in my practice.

Contact me if you would like to know more.