Strong teams don’t avoid disagreement—they need it. Different perspectives fuel better decisions and innovation.
The problem starts when disagreement turns into an argument. Too often, conversations shift from exploring ideas to defending positions. Listening stops, emotions rise, and trust takes a hit.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Teams can disagree collaboratively. Language matters. Phrases like, “I understand your perspective, and I see things differently because…” signal respect and curiosity. They turn resistance into dialogue and differences into better outcomes.
What phrases do you use when you disagree—do they invite dialogue or resistance ?
What would happen if you replaced certainty with curiosity in your next disagreement ?
