We are all able to debate. In fact, that has become abundantly clear in the polarized environment we now live in. That doesn’t mean, though, that we know how to appropriately debate—a skill that has become increasingly in demand in business settings.
The Value of Debate Skills
Debate skills serve both business and individual needs, as a recent MIT study reveals. The MIT Sloan study took a longitudinal look at employees in two groups; results indicated that those who had received training in debate were more likely to move up into more responsible management roles.
As one of the study’s authors said, debate training “pushes individuals out of their psychological comfort zone to assert their views under pressure, teaches them to communicate persuasively and confidently, and encourages them to stand their ground diplomatically during disagreements.”
Integrating debate training into leadership development programs can be a good way for organizations to “cultivate a more assertive and confident workforce.”
The Elements of a Healthy Debate
Debate is inherent to virtually everything we do in both personal and professional settings. Our interactions with others always hold the potential for disagreement or varying opinions whether we’re choosing a restaurant, purchasing equipment or technology, or adopting a new business strategy.
To ensure that these interactions take place in a positive and proactive way, Facilitation First recommends:
- Listening actively and recognizing the good in the other person’s perspective.
- Finding common ground.
- Stating your perspective, once the other person feels heard and understood.
When engaged in debate, it’s important to have an open mind, avoid getting personal, focus on facts and your own experiences, and to know when to move on or pause.
Employees can play an important role in helping employees develop these skills.
The Employer’s Role
Employers and their HR and learning and development (L&D) leaders have an important role to play in helping employees learn appropriate skills for debating issues of all kinds.
That starts at the top of the organization. Senior leaders influence others’ behaviors through their own actions. When they debate respectfully and appropriately, others observe these best practices. Organizations can also provide training for employees in debate skills, including the opportunity for practice and role play.
Debate is a given in any business environment. Providing employees with the knowledge and skills to do so effectively can help build trust and team cohesion.