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Edward R. Murrow on dissent
"We must never confuse dissent with disloyalty."
Do you encourage dissent in your company? Do you allow people to routinely challenge your assumptions? Or are you SO caught up in your daily routine and metrics that you are losing your grip on the reality of your customer's world of passion, pain, fear and fantasy?
Posted January 11, 2006
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» Dissent or disloyalty? from Radio Marketing Nexus
"We must never confuse dissent with disloyalty." That's Edward R. Murrow talking. And as the radio industry enters its most transformational period in decades, it's advice worth heeding. Because I and others wish to discuss the issues surriounding HD r... [Read More]
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I love Murrow's quote. Thanks.
In my experience, most ad execs are too fragile to tolerate much in the way of dissent. You'd think the tough-skinned nature of the agency game would lead to ample room for dissent from all corners, but no.
Hopefully, other industries are more tolerant.
Posted by: David Burn | January 11, 2006 at 12:37 PM
The best leaders I ever worked for were the ones who wanted to be challenged.
The worst were the ones who didn't have that kind of confidence, insight and courage.
Posted by: olivier blanchard | January 12, 2006 at 12:35 PM
As a facilitator in team discussions, I allow my co-employees to challenge my views or assumptions. After all, that is what makes my job challenging and productive. To prepare for this job, I had to become an effective manager so that I can earn their respect. Now, I'm on my way to becoming the boss.
Posted by: Jessica | January 12, 2006 at 06:57 PM
I love this quote. It seems to me however, that dissent is only the first step, and that most managers, even if they allow dissent, do not follow through. Or rather, the larger problem is often that they dissent for the sake of it, but do not allow the revolution to follow.
Posted by: Ben | January 17, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Get feedback from your staff as to what kind of leader you are.
Take subordinates aside and ask them frankly:
How do I come across?
Do I command respect?
Do I communicate well?
Do I take good decisions?
Do you want to keep your job?
Posted by: Annie Witton | January 18, 2006 at 07:24 PM
I have been touching on this - a huge problem in most large organizations. Especially those that retain and reinvent stale management practices. Why is it the people who preach change are the most afraid of it?
Posted by: Aleah | January 19, 2006 at 06:24 PM
Perhaps it doesnt matter what the "boss" thinks. Increasingly Im of the mindset that dissent is irrelevent. Rather than waste hours (days?, weeks?, years?) arguing and dissenting,.. why not just do something.
Are we children? Do we really need permissions from "superiors". Time spent begging for change is time wasted. Just make the change.
Will we get burned occasionally? Yes (Having been fired from my last job, I speak from experience)! But that might be a good thing... push us towards organizations that are more appreciative of initiative and boldness.
Posted by: AJ Hoge | January 22, 2006 at 04:07 PM