To make good decisions, CEOs need the courage to seek out…
““To make good decisions, CEOs need the courage to seek out disagreement. Alfred Sloan, the longtime CEO and chairman of General Motors, once interrupted a committee meeting with a question: “Gentlemen, I take it we are all in complete agreement on the decision here?” All the committee members nodded. “Then,” Sloan said, “I propose we postpone further discussion of this matter until our next meeting to give ourselves time to develop disagreement and perhaps gain some understanding of what this decision is about.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
CEOs should deliberately invite dissent to improve decision quality and avoid groupthink.
In simple terms: Seek disagreement to make better choices.
Key Takeaway
Encourage dissent in meetings.
Themes
leadership
decision-making
conflict resolution
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
leadership
advice
When to use this quote
- board meetings
- strategic planning
- product development
- team brainstorming
Key Concepts
groupthink
cognitive bias
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create safe space for disagreement?
- What barriers prevent honest dissent?
A Different Perspective
Dissent may be suppressed by hierarchy or culture.