Thoughts on Consensus

Published on
July 5, 2011
Author
Chris Taylor
"Ideas are only valuable when applied."
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Listening to Jennifer Reil, from Rotman University. She shares a fascinating story about A.G. Lafley, former CEO of packaged good giant, Procter & Gamble.

Apparently, Lafley had a rule in his meetings: any time that everyone agreed with a particular option very quickly, he would delay making a decision. Instead, he would seek out someone who disagreed with the consensus and bring them into the discussion.

Lafley believed, as many great leaders believe, that there is no Absolute Right answer to a business problem. Much better to get a few potential options and try to build something magnificent than to settle for the first consensus. Push for opposition; it’s in those lively debates that greatness happens.