Spot solutions on opposite sides of problems and you'll uncover surprising research at the same time. Toss in a few tone tactics … and you’re ready to deep dive into research that rolls out into real solutions for stubborn problems. It's quite straightforward ... and yet can transform a workplace.
Einstein solved complex problems … by factoring in lessons from opposing views. Would you agree that skill also requires us to listen to and learn from vastly different kinds of thinkers? 
Observe any leader who successfully inspires diverse groups … into progressive approaches at work … and you’ll spot exhilarating views on several sides of one critical issue.
We’ve all been bombarded with one narrow viewpoint – shouted by an opinionated egotist – who attempts to drown out more germane solutions from colleagues who differ. Sometimes called hebbian learners ... they hold back progress. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Take a topic such as … seniority in today’s workplace. Opposing views would explore the advantages and disadvantages of age and seniority at work.
Or consider which gender surpasses the other as leaders in today’s marketplace. Both sides lends itself to solid research. Support both and you’ll also grow from men’s and women’s strengths at work. Ignore either one and both will suffer as a result of missed opportunities. Who said real research is boring!
As long as innovative thinkers speak up … rich gems will appear on both sides of most cases. Opposing views bring intelligent people together.
Some will argue for war at times … others will demands peaceful solutions for every conflict. Research can support solid cases for both – when writers deep dive into opposing views.
Here are a few suggestions to get to the other side of your views … from where you now stand:
1. First state your view in as few words as possible. For instance, you may believe that …”It takes a leader to launch and sustain all significant change at work.”
2. Then, add views on the exact opposite of that viewpoint. Be careful your opposing view does not simply support your original view from another angle. It must be opposite. The opposite view to leaders only can launch all change at work – is that “any person with effective tactics can inspire and effect change that lasts in most workplaces.”
3. Check here to discover the opposite of 27 current research topics which can change your workplace, and teach you from the other sides. What’s the opposite of your most firmly held idea?
The last thing effective researchers attempt to do is to bully others with their points of view. Research that comes with tone for real solutions … is not a contest about who’s right as much as it is a right way of approaching problems from several valid angles. Furthermore, since research provides an arena to learn genuinely from opposite views … it also offers solid ground to engage and empower multiple intelligences in ourselves and others.
Sound like a winning opportunity?
Ellen,
Your post immediately reminded me of the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln who appointed all of his presidential rivals to Cabinet positions.
This wasn't pretty in practice; but there was no shortage of opposing views from which Lincoln could discern new perspectives on difficult situations.
Posted by: Steve Roesler | June 16, 2008 10:20 PM | Permalink to Comment