Lead More, Control Less by Marvin R. Weisbord

Author:Marvin R. Weisbord
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Published: 2015-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Use Subgroups to Interrupt Polarization

Now and then people get stuck over conflicting beliefs, problem definitions, solutions, or decisions. They may honestly disagree and cannot move on. We have another technique when “Anyone else?” is not enough. It does not, as many leaders believe, involve confrontation. Instead get everyone thinking about where they stand.

Stop the action.

Ask those taking position X to raise their hands. Then ask the same about position Y. No discussion.

Next, ask subgroup X to talk with one another about their views. Subgroup Y listens. Give them five minutes.

Then have subgroup Y talk while subgroup X listens.

Now have everybody compare reactions. Nearly always each subgroup finds a range of differences that nobody knew existed. However—and this is big—they also note surprising overlaps with the other group. Agazarian calls it finding similarities among apparent differences and differences among apparent similarities. Figuring out how to move on becomes much easier. What makes this way of working unconventional is that people start out noticing similarities, not differences. Once you pull it off, you will become a believer.

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