Controversy and Creativity

1
Controversy and Creativity

• Coming up with something different

2
Conditions determining the constructiveness of
controversy

• Cooperative vs. competitive goal structure
• Brainstorming vs. debating
• Skilled disagreement
• Learning to disagree while confirming other
  individuals competency and worth
• Perspective taking
• Rational, as opposed to emotional argument

3
Guidelines for constructive controversy

• Emphasize the common ground of making the best
  possible decision.
• Include diverse people, promote challenging
  tasks, highlight contrasting viewpoints
• Prepare the best case possible for your position
• Advocate your position forcefully, but with an
  open mind
• Encourage others to advocate their position
  forcefully

4
Guidelines, continued

• Understand, then challenge opposing ideas and
  positions
• Do not take other peoples challenges personally
• Put yourself in other peoples shoes
• Synthesize the best ideas from all viewpoints and
  perspectives