The Cost of Taking Sides

Recent events have changed the quantity, quality and depth of communication in organizations, social groups and families, and in many cases not for the better. Rigid positions or polarization in any organization, most of whose success depends on collaboration, is detrimental success. Open communication, discussion, consideration of all points of view and the ability to compromise to achieve the best outcome is a key element of excellent organizations.

While there are many ways to foster open and honest communication, the approach that I have found most effective in a variety of countries and cultures is the development of, agreement to and practice of a common set of core values.

A common set of values - ones that the people in your organization have agreed are important and practice day-to-day, provide a strong basis for open and effective communication and collaboration. If for example, Teamwork is one of your values, it is expected that members of the "team" are engaged, involved and heard. If this value is truly embedded in your day to day interactions people will be mindful of other's thoughts, experience and opinions and ensure that any discussion is open, honest and accepting of contrary facts or opinions. That mindfulness of teamwork as a day to day practice will help avoid polarization and the negative effects that come with it.

Every organization has its unique culture (think of what can and cannot be discussed over family holiday meals), some that simply developed over time and others that were developed purposefully. Many organizational cultures evolve on the basis of a particular leader and/or a particularly challenging objective. Whatever the culture of your organization, at its base there are values. They may be the values of a leader, a group, or simply the overlap of the values of the people in the organization, and they may be positive or negative. Whatever they may be, great organizations understand what is required to achieve their goals and purposefully identify, develop and practice their core values

Think about your own experiences. Were there some family events that you avoided whenever possible and others that you couldn't wait to go to? Were there jobs where you had to force yourself to go and then the day dragged on, or others where you couldn't wait to get there and couldn't believe how quickly the day passed?

Take some time to think about the differences between those experiences. What made them different? Explore those differences and you will likely find elements of values behind them.

What kind or organization are you?