JS Tip 479: The Value of Dissent in Decision-making

From the Leadership Workshops: The Value of Dissent in Decision-making

According to The American Kennel Club, approximately one Dalmatian in every litter (one out of six) is born deaf. The reason: inbreeding. 

According to The Endangered Wildlife Trust, the African cheetah is near extinction. The reason: inbreeding.

According to The Challenger Launch Decision: Risky Technology, Culture, and Deviance at NASA, by Diane Vaughn, the Challenger disaster was preventable. The reason the disaster happened: management failed to listen to differing opinions. “It was not amorally calculating managers violating rules that were responsible for the tragedy. It was conformity” (page 386). 

Intellectual inbreeding causes as many problems as genetic inbreeding. Dissenting ideas are not insubordinate ideas. Dissent adds strength.

“If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking” —Benjamin Franklin

Next week: We’ll talk about ways to encourage dissent and opposing views.

On a Completely Different Subject

If you live in Northern Utah, you may be aware that I’m running for the United States Congress. 

I’m a candidate in the primary on June 26th, and, if that’s successful, I’ll run in the general election in November. 

My promise to you: The campaign and the election will have no effect on these tips. None. Zippo. Nada. 

Our relationship will continue as it has for the past ten years. I value that relationship. Thank you. 

—Kurt Weiland