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Simple Ways To Be Less Divisive

17 Jul 2021 * management

Here are some simple ways to be less divisive in the workplace:

  * If you agree with an idea X that Bob said, say "I agree with the
    idea X", don't say "I agree with Bob". The former states your
    advocacy; the latter is dividing the group into teams.
  * Don't exaggerate, even if it's for effect. "Everyone loves the
    new accounting software" is not true, and the one person who is
    annoyed to tears with a permissions error will react poorly.
  * Don't ask questions that frame disagreement as unusual. Say "Can
    I confirm that March should be the launch date?", don't say "I
    assume we're all aligned that March should be the launch date".
    The former simply clarifies a detail, the latter does so by
    making disagreement seem absurd.
  * Write down what you're saying, while you're saying it. Keep
    real-time notes in meetings. The simple act of
    writing-while-speaking has many benefits: it slows your speech to
    avoid mindless rambling and prevent heated arguments, it promotes
    thoughtfulness and durability of what you're saying, it gives
    others a visual anchor to the point you're making.
  * Give people a chance to give feedback on changes. People are
    going to share their concerns whether they see a final change or
    a proposal, but with the latter they'll be more included in the
    process. You can also avoid a whole class of frustration from
    people who just wanted a chance to give feedback (though actually
    don't want to give feedback). Practically, instead of saying
    "here's a new thing", simply say "here's a new proposal we're
    finalizing before the end of week, please reach out if you have
    any concerns".
  * Miscellaneous: joke less, laugh less, stop gossiping.

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