Healthy Debate Builds Stronger Decisions
- Cristina Stensvaag
- Nov 6, 2025
- 2 min read
Healthy debate builds trust and commitment. In teams that value candor, disagreement isn’t a threat, it’s a path to better ideas.
November 6, 2025
Originally published in One More Rep, our weekly leadership newsletter. 👉 Subscribe here
When people can challenge each other’s thinking, decisions get sharper, and buy-in gets stronger.
Read
In Radical Candor, Kim Scott reflects that some of her biggest mistakes came from not inviting open debate -- failing to create an environment where people felt safe to challenge her thinking.
She introduces the Get Stuff Done (GSD) Wheel, a simple process for building alignment and follow-through. The core idea is that great results come from open debate, not forced consensus.
The GSD Wheel walks leaders through six steps: Listen, Clarify, Debate, Decide, Persuade, Execute, Learn. Most teams skip from “Listen” straight to “Decide,” which can lead to poor buy-in.
Healthy debate strengthens teams because people feel heard. When everyone can voice concerns and challenge ideas, they’re more likely to commit once the decision is made.
As Scott writes, “Your job as a leader isn’t to have all the right answers; it’s to create the environment where the best ideas win.”
Rep
In your next meeting, intentionally make space for debate before decisions.
Try saying: “Let’s pause before we decide. What are we missing? What could go wrong? Who sees this differently?”
If you don't get a response, invite input individually:
“You often catch things others miss. What’s your take?”
End with clarity: “Here’s what we decided, why, and who’s accountable.” This ensures everyone leaves aligned, even if they didn’t fully agree.
Remember: when encouraging healthy debate, make sure your team challenges ideas, not people.
Reflect
Do I invite debate or avoid it?
How do I react when someone challenges my idea?
What happens in my team when disagreement surfaces: openness or tension?
How can I create more safety for honest disagreement?
Healthy debate isn’t conflict, it’s collaboration. When leaders invite challenge, they make stronger decisions and build stronger teams.
