Reader if things are feeling a bit toxic right now, this is for you. One of the most influential people in shaping my practice as an Organizational Development expert is Peter Block and this week I want to share his words on one of the most transformative choices you can make—inviting dissent. In a compliance-driven, empire, and colonial culture, saying no is considered a problem to be solved. Here are Peter's words on why it should be considered a superpower. It was a radical thought for me that disobedience could be useful. I knew it was satisfying, but it created labels: “counter dependence,” “issues with authority,” “not on board,” or “not a team player.” In a compliance-driven, empire, and colonial culture, saying no is considered a problem to be solved.
The option is to consider disobedience, or what can be called dissent, a pathway to belonging and creating a more powerful way of being together.
When we say no, put our doubts into words, are willing to be disobedient, and accept that we are not here to meet the expectations of others, a quality of aliveness is present.
When we invite the disobedience and dissent of others, especially about what we are up to, we can listen without needing to react, answer, explain. No response, other than understanding, is required. We can also take the dissent of others as an invitation for expressing our own disobedience or dissent.
This quote also opens us to the idea that saying “No” is the beginning of a conversation, not an exit strategy. And that if we cannot say “No,” our “Yes” has no meaning.
Reader I hope that you are as inspired by Peter's words as I am. True freedom and alliance can only happen when you have confidence that you've explored fully. Here are some questions to help you get started:
If you are ready to level up your leadership, give yourself and the people around you more permission to express doubt and voice the no. PS - Welcome Tennessee SHRM friends The BEST Review of Show Up Positive Ever
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