To disagree is to not agree with what another says or suggests. It involves having a differing opinion on the matter. That is to be expected considering that people are different; have had different experiences or upbringing, training etc. and as such would look at things from a different perspective. Disagreements can go two ways; they are either pointless, that is; unnecessary and not helpful or healthy.

Disagreements within teams.

While teammates are expected to be united and of the same mind disagreements cannot be ruled out completely. Does disagreeing with your teammates mean you all are not united? No. Teammates need to be united in their objectives and goals. What teams need is the unity of purpose and oneness of mind. So while they might all be focused on the same objectives they are allowed to think and have different plants or routes to reach them. When ideas for plans are put forward then the best practicable ones can be selected and implemented. In cases where it hurts no one or the firm, individuals can be allowed to implement their ideas and then compare results amongst themselves and adopt the most productive method from then on. If you usually hold back your thoughts because you do not want to be seen as different and or argumentative you should have a rethink.

As mentioned earlier disagreements can be pointless and unnecessary or healthy and positive. The focus of this article is on healthy disagreements.

HEALTHY DISAGREEMENTS refers to those conversations where different thoughts and opinions are expressed freely without it becoming quarrelsome. The aim of such disagreements is never to prove right or wrong but to decide the best kind of action. Healthy disagreements help all parties involved to weigh issues carefully and explore matters from all sides and see different perspectives before reaching a decision.

How to have healthy disagreements on your team

Before getting your contrary opinion out in front of your teammates, ask yourself; is it helpful? does it sound better than previous ideas or suggestions? (You should answer yourself honestly) and also think is it practical? Another question to ask yourself is do we need a contrary opinion or am I having a contrary opinion because of some bias against the one who suggested something first? Giving honest answers to these questions would help you ascertain whether or not you should put your thoughts forward. As a team leader, how can you encourage healthy disagreements?

Encouraging healthy disagreements

• The first step is to hire good employees. Employees who are qualified, capable and well suited for the job would not hesitate to voice out their opinions. Look up some things you can do to hire good employees. (How to hire good employees)

• Build a strong workplace team. See practical steps you can take to achieve that. (How to build a strong team in the workplace).

• Create a warm and friendly atmosphere.

• Encourage your team members to speak up.

• Avoid talking down on members of your team and do not condone condescension from anyone on the team.

• You should ask your teammates for their ideas and suggestions.

• Do not hurriedly accept the first person to speak the idea.

• Encourage brainstorming.

• Ask for differing or dissenting opinions

• When members of your team seem to be in disagreement, do not be quick to resolve their differences or pick a side especially when it is not violent or unnecessary. Allow each person to voice out his thoughts without restrictions.

As a team player, learn how you can disagree with a coworker without being rude. (How to disagree with a coworker without being rude).

You should also exercise caution and not let disagreements spiral into unhealthy competition or conflicts. Know when to "agree to disagree" or drop an argument for some other time.

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