They unpack how 'disagree and commit' is often misused as a silencing tactic and why the disagreement step truly matters. They explore when urgent compliance is appropriate and when objections surface crucial information. They talk about spotting endless debate and knowing when to stop discussing and move forward.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Client Forgot To Actually Disagree
Douglas Squirrel recounts a client who was told to disagree and commit but never actually voiced his disagreement.
The client treated the boss's direction as a closed issue, so his objections were unheard and the practice failed.
insights INSIGHT
Heard Objections Enable Real Commitment
Jeffrey Fredrick explains disagree and commit only works when people can voice objections and feel heard before committing.
Allowing a true disagreement gives psychological permission and informational benefit that enables commitment.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Raise Objections Early To Improve Decisions
Do surface your disagreement because it often adds information or perspectives the decision maker lacks.
Jeffrey warns that raising concerns can change a decision or at least improve its information basis even if you still commit.
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Do you know how to disagree and commit? Clue - it’s not the same as “just shut up and get on with it!” In the first episode of a two-part series, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss the practice of disagree and commit, why so many teams get it wrong, and what happens when you know how to stop discussing and start doing - even when you don’t agree with the outcome.
LINKS:
- Disagree and Commit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disagree_and_commit
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You'll find free videos and practice material, plus our book Agile Conversations, at agileconversations.com
And we'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas, or feedback you have about the show: email us at info@agileconversations.com
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About Your Hosts
Douglas Squirrel and Jeffrey Fredrick joined forces at TIM Group in 2013, where they studied and practised the art of management through difficult conversations. Over a decade later, they remain united in their passion for growing profitable organisations through better communication.
Squirrel is an advisor, author, keynote speaker, coach, and consultant, and he's helped over 300 companies of all sizes make huge, profitable improvements in their culture, skills, and processes. You can find out more about his work here: douglassquirrel.com/index.html
Jeffrey is Vice President of Engineering at ION Analytics, Organiser at CITCON, the Continuous Integration and Testing Conference, and is an accomplished author and speaker. You can connect with him here: www.linkedin.com/in/jfredrick/
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