How to disagree
constructively at work
… and make better decisions
Teams have a big advantage over individuals when it comes to generating ideas and solving problems: They comprise a mixture of people with different perspectives, experiences and skills. Bring all of this knowledge to bear, and you have the best chance of reaching the optimal solution.
Too often though, the ideas of leaders or dominant personalities go unchallenged because others feel uncomfortable disagreeing, or positions become inflexible because disagreement turns into a contest with winners and losers. This is bad for morale and produces bad decisions. But what can you do to prevent it?
This practical and innovative workshop provides answers. It explains the business case for disagreement, and equips delegates to disagree better and to encourage a positive disagreement culture in their teams. They will learn how to disagree in ways that are authentic to themselves, but that are also respectful and account for others’ personalities and feelings. Delegates will also prepare an action plan for immediate implementation back at work.
What participants will learn
This intensive session has been designed to have maximum practical impact in a short time. The topics covered include:
- Key research into the value of disagreement
- Understanding the difference between constructive and destructive disagreement
- The important role of positive disagreement in coming to better decisions at work
- How to explain the business case for promoting positive disagreement at work
- How diversity in teams can lead to better performance
- Understanding the barriers to disagreement we face as individuals
- How to identify your natural disagreement style and understand its impact on others
- Adapting and improving on your natural disagreement style
- Identifying and accounting for others’ personalities when disagreeing with them
- How to deal with people who constantly disagree
- Developing a range of techniques for dealing with disagreement, challenge and conflict
- Insights into the role of emotional intelligence around disagreement
- Identifying ways of shaping a culture of positive disagreement in your team
Classroom or virtual delivery
This highly interactive programme can be delivered virtually or as a classroom course.
Virtual sessions last around two hours. Classroom sessions can be run in a range of formats depending on the backgrounds of those attending and any specific learning aims.
Whether virtual or classroom, the training is practical, packed with useful tools and tips, and highly engaging. By tailoring the content to your group’s needs, we ensure the maximum possible relevance and impact.
If you have a group of staff who could benefit from the How to Disagree course, we can deliver a session for your organisation at a time that suits you.
Participants can join a virtual session from the office or from home, or we can come to you to deliver the training in the classroom.
Fees depend on the number of participants and whether or not you would like the content adapted to address any specific issues relevant to your group.
Please contact us to find out more and to obtain a quote.
About us
Cambridge Exec is a boutique learning consultancy made up of a select team of specialists in workplace wellbeing, communications and people-oriented leadership and management. We deliver training and coaching, and conduct research and analysis that supports your people-centred workplace culture.
For twenty years we’ve been helping organisations ranging from small startups to international brands to build their people’s capacities, enhance wellbeing and boost engagement and productivity at work.
