I really appreciate the anecdote John Warfield provided on positive
conflict at IBM. Such examples and personal associations are truly of
value in helping explain and apply any of the theory and approaches we
raise here.
I see as a significant challenge the creation of a culture in which
individuals can come to feel comfortable being constructively
confrontational. It is sometimes as hard to call into question as it is
to be challenged. Few of us do this well. There are few models to learn
from. And, all the theory in books loses utility fast when it comes time
to put it to the test.
Practicing approaches to inquiry as opposed to advocacy is just one way.
Asking questions, however necessary, are insufficient, as they can be as
full of criticism and presumption as direct statements. If anyone has an
honest, constructive alternative response to perceived criticism and
threat to ego than defensiveness and counter-bashing, I'd like to hear
about it.
--J. Martin Hays, Ed.D.--
--"Hays, Joe" <HAYS@volpe1.dot.gov>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>