In his book Creating the Innovation Culture: Leveraging Visionaries, Dissenters and Other Troublemakers in Your Organization, Frances Horibe makes an intriguing case for dissenters.
According to Horibe, one reason companies fail to innovate is because they don’t recognize and accept that innovation is disruptive and initially takes the form of dissent. Dissent means that people want to go in a different direction from what is generally accepted. Encouraging constructive dissent is a key step in the innovation process because dissenters can offer new ideas and force others to challenge assumptions and come up with better ideas.
Horibe relates that even dissenters that are completely wrong help groups reach more robust and effective outcomes. So next time that strong-headed member of your team goes off, ranting about a crazy idea for a new way to do something, hear them out. Studies show that even if you discard their idea, their input will help your team generate a better result.
Encouraging constructive dissent is a key step in the innovation process.
Don’t be afraid to encourage dissent. A valuable dissenter is trying to make something better, and offers an alternative way to achieve goals – even if they might annoy you. They also make meetings far more interesting. Hear them out.
Do you honor constructive dissent? When was the last time you forcefully dissented?
July 17, 2014 @ 2:42 pm
We agree 100 % to having discussions from individuals who are challenging the status quo. There is nothing wrong with that. We need to stimulate our thinking. Good leadership requires listening to various options, and then taking positive steps. Challenging discussions can also verify that existing policies are the way to go, as well. Thank you. Gary and Joan
July 17, 2014 @ 2:48 pm
Forcibly dissenting? A very recent example was at a local County Republican Central Committee meeting. Joan and I voted “No” on a proposal for the State GOP to initiate a lawsuit requiring a closed primary. We also expressed our opinions very positively and articulately. It was the right thing to do. However, we were the only two precinct captains who voted “no.” We also put forth options in lieu of a lawsuit. This is an election year and Republicans do not need to give Democrats any additional issue for them to campaign on. Thank you. Gary and Joan Let’s visit in person in near future.