We’ve hosted a number of thought leader events as a co-founder of The Cornerstone Knowledge Network (www.theckn.com). One of the events ended with a distinguished panel of five – researchers, consultants, and a mega church/movement pastor – all are authors. At one point in the conversation, there was a disagreement between two of the panel members. One said that branding was dead and the other felt branding was very much alive. As they talked further, it became clear that they were actually in agreement. What the first panel member was saying is that it’s no longer possible to grab a brand identity outside of who you really are. Both agreed that branding must come from an authentic expression.
That was an understanding that benefitted us all. Had the dialogue not continued, we would have been left to believe the two experts disagreed. But further dialogue drove a deeper understanding of the overall subject, as well as the point in dispute. But that would not have been possible without the right atmosphere. Disagreement, event forceful disagreement, is important to improvement but it is only possible in the right setting. Maybe it’s better said…
Dialogue - In the right atmosphere - Drives Understanding.
So how do you create the right atmosphere? I think there at least 3 components to the right atmosphere:
1)
There was an atmosphere of Openness - Each of these guys was comfortable with the fact they would not be ridiculed or maligned in any way so they could be completely open. They didn’t feel vulnerable so they were not inhibited from sharing their points of view.
2) There was an atmosphere of Acceptance - There was genuine mutual respect. Each of these guys had genuine respect and admiration for each other.
3) There was an atmosphere of Excellence - There was an overriding purpose to get at the truth, even if that meant someone was wrong. Neither of these guys had a personal agenda they were trying to push for selfish benefit. Knowing the truth was more important than being right.
Openness – Acceptance – Excellence. Anything I missed?
Are you developing the right atmosphere?
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