My good friend and colleague, Barry Banther, CSP, CPAE made an astute observation the other day. (Actually, Barry makes TONS of astute observations about the world in which we work and play, but I just happened to be in the same room at the time he said this!). I immediately applied his advice to the topic of disagreement in a panel discussion.
He said, “When people disagree, be curious about whether it is a disagreement in principle or preference.”
For me, that was a mic-drop moment as people disagree on panels all the time!
As a moderator, what a gift to probe further to discover if the disagreement is about a fundamental principle that is worth pursuing OR a preference that is worthwhile to note but then move on.
Thank you Barry for this gift of discernment whenever I moderate a panel discussion!
How to Disagree Respectfully During a Panel Discussion
Engage the Audience with the Agree/Disagree Game
Provocative and Polarizing Questions for Your Panel Discussion
For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative leadership panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.