🛠 Try this:
Next time you're sensing a little too much harmony, a little too much quiet, or not enough healthy debate:
1) Be direct and invite people to debate:
“Which option will move us forward fastest?” or “Which option is best for our clients?”
2) Give everyone a minute to write down their thoughts.
3) Invite them each to share, and then debate the ideas.
Your job is to mine for conflict.
- If you think that someone is holding back, ask them directly if they have another approach, even if it's unpopular.
- If you sense two people don't really agree, call it out. “Suzzie, I'm sensing you think we can do something different here. What's on your mind?”
By encouraging debate and different perspectives, you have a better shot at getting to a better decision for your team.
Bonus Points: Take a look at
this guide for prompts around difficult conversations.
✅ This week’s challenge:
Pick one meaty conversation this week and invite the debate.
Mine for the conflict.
Then actually listen.
Debate the ideas.
Come to a decision.
Name the decision clearly, and
Thank your team mates for being along for the ride.
You’ll be surprised how much energy and ownership show up once people know it’s safe to speak up.
Try it. Let me know how it goes.
