Ep 17: Encouraging Productive Disagreement in Conflict Averse Cultures with Ian Leslie

Words that Change Lives

Host Helen Packham explores the art of productive disagreement with special guest Ian Leslie, author of "How to Disagree."

Today's conversation covers the defensive nature of disagreement, the importance of viewpoint diversity, and the need to balance competitiveness with collaboration.

Ian shares insights from his extensive work on human behaviour, workplace culture, and his compelling views on creating an environment that fosters honest and safe disagreements.

Get ready to learn how to turn conflict into a catalyst for growth and innovation.

Here are the highlights:

03:58 Encouraging workplace discussion and embracing disagreements.

06:22 Feeling threatened in arguments leads to disengagement.

09:33 Social media exposes us to diverse opinions.

14:56 Emotions enhance cognitive capabilities in discussions.

17:59 Value of disagreement in human evolutionary history.

24:30 Disagree cooperatively for better outcomes, particularly leaders.

28:36 TED Talks emphasise collaboration, chemistry, and alchemy.

31:30 Diversity is important for unlocking benefits.

34:30 The Waco cult teaches about diversity in viewpoints.

39:51 Remove barriers to facilitate open, respectful communication.

42:55 Encouragement of junior voices in workplace culture.

46:14 Importance of things in life is relative.

Connect with: Ian Leslie

Ian Leslie is the author of acclaimed books on human behaviour. Malcolm Gladwell describes him as "one of my favourite writers". His books include CURIOUS, about the desire to learn, and HOW TO DISAGREE, on the art and science of productive disagreement. Ian has a background in business; before launching a writing career he worked as a strategist for some of the world's biggest brands at ad agencies in London and New York. He has written for the Financial Times, the Economist, and the New Statesman, on work, politics, AI, and behaviour science. He is a a speaker to companies and organisations around the world on curiosity, productive conflict, and workplace culture. His weekly Substack newsletter, The Ruffian, has over twenty thousand subscribers. Ian is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He lives in London with his wife and two children.

Subscribe to The Ruffian: https://www.ian-leslie.com/

Website:https://ian-leslie.com/speaking/

Connect with Helen:

Website: helenpackham.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/helenpackham

Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenpackhamcoach

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helenpackham

If you’d like to explore how to have more open and honest conversations within your organisation and encourage productive disagreement, contact Helen for a no obligation consultation [e-mail]

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk