The way of the contrarian...
I was reminded a couple of days ago that I am a contrarian; it was not the first time and usually not meant as a compliment. For those not familiar with the word, a contrarian is a person who takes an opposite or different position from other people - And this reminds me of a story -Â
Many years ago, in a land far away, there was a very prosperous city state that was the envy of all.  The city was ruled by a council of eleven wise elders and all city decisions were their responsibility, including ruling on any disputes or crimes that came before them; majority ruled on all decisions with each of the eleven elders having a vote. One day a man accused of a heinous crime was brought before the council and after hearing the story, each of the elders voted guilty. At that point, the wisest of the elders announced the final judgment of the council; the accused man was to be set free. In disbelief, the on-lookers shouted their disapproval and wanted to understand how such a ruling could be made.
The wisest of the elders stood and explained that when all of the members of the council agreed, they believed that there was a common bias that existed among them, that they were looking at the situation through the same eyes, and they had not uncovered the unknown details that would make for the best decision - In short, when they all agree, they have made a flawed decision. Â
The strength in making better decisions lies with contrary discussions, differing positions, ideas and different ways of thinking; with the contrarian acting as the facilitator. Being referred to as a contrarian is a good thing, a necessary thing...
- They will help you pressure test your thinking to ensure it is sound.
- They challenge groupthink.Â
- They help look at a situation in a different way.
- They remind us that everyone thinking the same way does not necessarily make for good decisions.
- They help advocate and adapt to change.
- They introduce new ideas.
I knew a CEO who designated a person, as part of their role, to always challenge his strategic thinking... to be that executive contrarian . His rationale was simple, if his thinking could not stand up to the rigors of the board room, how could it ever stand up in the real world.
Embrace those people who don't agree with you, hear them out, encourage the discussion... your thinking will be better for it, and most likely your decisions.
Wouldn't you agree?
iamgpe
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Comments
Devesh đ Bhatt
7 years ago #41
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #40
Thanks for the comment and your perspectives Jackie Pantaliano. They are appreciated.
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #39
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #38
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #37
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #36
Absolutely. Although painful sometimes to the dream it has valuable info imprinted.
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #35
Thanks for the comment Franci Eugenia Hoffman
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #34
Thanks for the comment Harvey Lloyd... sometimes I don't want to know what's on the other side but I do know it's important so I always "grin" and flip over the coin.
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #33
Thanks for the comment Kevin Pashuk... I definitely will check out that post.
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #32
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #31
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #30
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #29
Thanks very much for the comment John Valledor.
don kerr
7 years ago #28
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #27
Thanks for the comment Joel Anderson. I really like the Oscar Wilde quote...
Joel Anderson
7 years ago #26
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #25
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #24
Thanks for the comment Chas Wyatt. I suspect Kodak would beg to differ... if only someone in their management group said digital photography will make film obsolete (and the funny thing is they held the technology) but their group think about old school film was so strong. I will say having a contrarian involved in developing your selling (commercial) strategy is crucial. As for "presidencies," I will just stay on this side of the border and watch... I simply love US politics!
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #23
Thanks for the comment Jim Murray. Sorry about the head...
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #22
Thanks Adrian Moores. Adrian is new to beBee and he's a great guy... although we don't really get along. : )
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #21
Thanks for the comment and insight Kevin Pashuk
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #20
Well at least Kevin Pashuk
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #19
I appreciate the support Kevin Pashuk
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #18
Thanks Phil Friedman!
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #17
Thanks for the comment Randy Keho. And yes, "smartassedness"(sp) is a subtype of contrarianism and is measured on a special scale based on sarcasm and wit. Also everyone please be nicer to Randy.
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #16
Thanks of the comment Nicholas Fester
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #15
Thanks for the link Joel Anderson. I will check into it!
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #14
Set your latent contrarianism free and thanks for the comment Don Kerr
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #13
Thanks for your comment Julie Hickman
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #12
Thanks for the comment and Insight of the contrarian (and when it is time to "run") Jim Lenihan
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #11
Thanks for the comment Phillip Hubbell. You are absolutely right that a contrarian should be offering their perspective based on conviction, thought and conviction. I totally agree !
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #10
Thanks very much for sharing Donna-Luisa Eversley
Grahamđ Edwards
7 years ago #9
Thanks very much for the comments Andrea Dale. I totally agree that everyone needs to be aligned with objectives, outcomes and understand rich (and respectful) discussion leads to a better out come.
Jim Murray
7 years ago #8
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #7
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #6
Graham Edwards... as long as you are willing to discuss it... so therefore we don't have to be nice.
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #5
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #4
Randy Keho
7 years ago #3
Joel Anderson
7 years ago #2
don kerr
7 years ago #1