1 ▪ What Is Constructive Debate?

Building better ideas should be a constructive activity—both metaphorically and in the real world. The word “constructive” connotes positive and productive action. The word “debate” sometimes connotes dissonance or disagreement, but also suggests a rational process aimed at achieving a clear understanding or decision. The two words together suggest a course of action designed to create something strong through deep and energetic deliberation.

Debate versus Discussion

Why do we call this process and skill-set “debate” rather than “discussion” or “dialogue”? A discussion is a conversation for the purpose of making a decision or exchanging views. A dialogue is a discussion for the purpose of coming to an understanding of an issue rather than making a decision. The word “debate” indicates that there are disagreements or different opinions on a topic. Whether informal or formal (following a set of specific rules), a debate is a discussion in which contending views are expressed and responded to.

Debate as a form of communication, rather than as a formal activity with judges making the decision as to the winners and losers, is often focused not so much on the construction of a good argument as on the demolition of another’s position. This often results in a heated exchange that may or may not solve a problem or advance the interests of the organization. Typically, informal debate, when it is focused on making the other person wrong, stimulates defensive rather than productive behavior. It can discourage those with different—perhaps innovative—views and less taste for battle.

Constructive Debate

By contrast, constructive debate involves the open exchange and exploration of ideas in a way that promotes innovation, high-quality decisions, broad participation, and relationships that are both positive and productive. In any organization, people often come to the table with opinions that are formed—sometimes even fixed. We rarely begin with completely open minds, which would allow us to discuss a topic in a completely impartial way. Ideally, however, we can establish a set of principles and a process that allow us to set aside our own preferences for long enough to give contending ideas a real hearing.

Constructive debate is a form of communication that is:

• rational rather than emotional

• based on facts and logic rather than opinion and belief

• interactive rather than sequential

• focused on bringing promising ideas to the table, then testing, developing, and improving them

Criteria for a Constructive Debate

A constructive debate looks, sounds, and feels very different from an argument that is focused on blame and “one-upmanship.” It is more collaborative than a formal debate where the goal is to score points against the other side. During a constructive debate:

• It is relatively easy for each participant to express an opinion.

• A broad range of opinions and ideas is expressed and considered.

• Discussion/debate is focused on the ideas, not on motivation, personality, or history.

• Participants ask for and receive feedback nondefensively.

• Participants build on one another’s ideas.

• Participants challenge their own as well as others’ thinking.

• Ideas are explored fully enough to warrant moving toward narrowing and decision-making.

Issues that Require Constructive Debate

Many day-to-day issues can be resolved by precedent (as in “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel”) or handled in an ad-hoc way (“I’ll try it this way today”). When dealing with issues that are key to team or organizational success, especially those involving innovation or change, a constructive debate can greatly increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Innovation and change require examination of unusual and sometimes unpopular ideas, so debate that is open and constructive offers an opportunity to build better ideas and decisions through opening our minds to more possibilities. In a formal debate, a third party—the debate judge—makes a decision about the “winner.” In a constructive debate about actual issues or opportunities, the group itself may come to a decision based on criteria, or they may simply make recommendations based on the result of their interaction. Not all decisions require a constructive debate.

Here are some criteria for issues that can benefit from this practice:

• There is no “school solution” or single right answer.

• Critical thinking is possible; facts and logic apply—it is not just a matter of opinion.

• Your intention is to develop ideas that are relevant to important strategic goals.

• You are aware that political pressure or “groupthink” could lead to a less-than-optimal decision.

The promise of constructive debate, when practiced regularly and with a supportive culture and set of processes, is better ideas, improved decision-making, greater collaboration and engagement, more successful innovation, broader commitment to decisions, and fewer unintended negative consequences.