Disruption with a Cause - The Leadership Skill of Harnessing Dissent
Description
In this episode of The Elephant in the Org, Danny, Marion, and Cacha take on a leadership game-changer: how to transform dissent from a workplace disruption into a strategic driver of progress. The hosts explore why embracing rebels and fostering a culture of constructive dissent is critical for organizations to innovate, adapt, and thrive. Spoiler: it all starts with empowering middle managers.
- Why dissent matters: Avoiding stagnation and fostering innovation hinges on inviting diverse perspectives.
- Middle managers as changemakers: How training them early in psychological safety and facilitation skills creates a pipeline of inclusive leaders.
- Lessons from Gallipoli: What leadership in the trenches teaches us about empowering those on the front lines.
- Insights from Annie Duke’s Thinking in Bets: How probabilistic thinking encourages smarter decision-making and healthier debates.
- Toxic cultures and short-term thinking: Why silencing dissent is a recipe for failure—and how to flip the narrative to prioritize long-term success.
The conversation also highlights the real-world challenges of creating a culture of dissent and why middle managers hold the key to breaking echo chambers and driving organizational innovation.
- Into All Problem Solving, A Little Dissent Must Fall – McKinsey
- Gallipoli (1981) – A gripping exploration of leadership and front-line decision-making during WWI.
- Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke – A guide to decision-making under uncertainty.
- Industry – HBO’s intense look at the pressures of toxic, high-stakes workplaces.
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🎙️ About the Show
The Elephant in the Org drops new episodes every two weeks starting April 2024.
Get ready for even more fearless conversations about leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.
🎵 Music & Production Credits
🎶 Opening and closing theme music by The Toros
🎙️ Produced by The Fearless PX
✂️ Edited by Marion Anderson
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests, and do not necessarily reflect any affiliated organizations' official policy or position.
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