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How to Work with a Person with a Divergent View

Interacting with individuals who have different viewpoints can be challenging. As a tech executive, you’ll often face these scenarios, requiring you to excel in communication to reach favorable results. Yet sometimes the wisest choice is to discreetly step away. “Divergent” is increasingly synonymous with radically different. But what precisely constitutes a divergent view?

A divergent view is an opinion or perspective that differs from your own or the majority’s.

It can emerge in scenarios with multiple solutions to a problem, conflicting beliefs and values, or varying interpretations of information. Divergent views also originate from personal experiences and backgrounds, making them highly subjective.

In your role as a tech executive, you’ll encounter differing perspectives on topics such as product development, business strategies, and company culture. These differences can lead to disagreements, conflicts, and misunderstandings if not properly managed. Thus, developing strong communication skills is essential.

One way to address divergent views is by practicing active listening.

This involves focusing on the speaker, understanding their viewpoint, and asking clarifying questions. By actively listening, you can better comprehend the other person’s perspective and find common ground.

Respecting differing views is also crucial. Even if you disagree with someone’s opinion, respecting their right to hold it is vital. Acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of thoughts and ideas within your team or organization. This fosters a positive work culture where individuals feel valued and are encouraged to share their perspectives without fear of judgment.

A divergent view can sometimes lead to healthy debates and innovative ideas.

As a tech executive, you have a responsibility to create an environment where diverse opinions are welcomed and encouraged, leading to a culture of continuous learning and growth within your company.

However, when divergent views cause conflicts and hinder progress, it’s essential to address them professionally and calmly. Avoid personal attacks or defensiveness; instead, focus on finding a compromise or common ground that benefits all parties.

Remember, diversity of thought can drive progress and innovation, so embrace it rather than view it as an obstacle.

With these skills and mindset, you can handle divergent views confidently and navigate challenging situations constructively.

Effective communication is not just about expressing your own thoughts but also about understanding others’ perspectives. By actively listening and respecting divergent views, you can foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, which is crucial for success in the tech industry. Continually work on your communication skills, remain open to diverse perspectives, and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. With these approaches, you will effectively handle divergent views and lead your team toward achieving common goals.

Click here for a post on how to build consensus in a politically charged environment.

Frustration Build: It Can Be Harmful to Your Job and Your Health

I was coaching a tech executive who was letting frustration build over her boss’s treatment of her. Even days later, her frustration persisted. Despite my attempts to console her, she remained fixated on her boss’s lack of trust, firmly believing he should never have asked the question he did. This kind of persistent thinking can impact both job performance and mental well-being. It’s essential to learn how to let go and move forward. First, she should resolve the incident with her boss to her satisfaction, and second, she needs to let it slide off her back to prevent it from affecting her well-being.

First: Resolving the Incident with Your Boss

It’s important not to let frustration build and to address any issues or conflicts that arise in the workplace. In this case, it would be beneficial for the tech executive to have a conversation with her boss and express how she felt about their interaction. This allows for open communication and can help clear up any misunderstandings.

During this conversation, it’s helpful to remain calm and professional. Avoid placing blame or getting defensive. Instead, focus on expressing your feelings and finding a resolution together.

It’s also important to listen to your boss’s perspective and try to understand where they are coming from. This can provide valuable insight into their actions and help resolve the issue at hand.

Once a resolution is reached, it’s important to let go of any lingering negative feelings towards your boss. Holding onto resentment or anger can do more harm than good and prevent you from moving forward.

Second: Letting Go for Your Mental Well-being

Learning how to let go is key to maintaining a healthy mindset and preventing work-related stress from affecting your mental well-being. Here are some tips for letting go:

Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help calm your mind and let go of negative thoughts.
Find healthy outlets for releasing stress and tension, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Remind yourself that holding onto negative feelings will only hurt you in the long run, and it’s better to focus on the present moment and moving forward.
Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if you’re struggling to let go of negative experiences at work.

Remember that learning how to let go is an ongoing process.

It may not happen overnight, but with patience and practice, you can develop the ability to move forward from difficult situations in a healthy way. By resolving conflicts and letting go of negative feelings, you can improve both your job performance and overall well-being. So don’t let one bad experience with your boss define your attitude towards work – learn how to let go and keep moving forward.

Letting go is not about forgetting or condoning what happened, but about freeing yourself from the weight of negative emotions and allowing yourself to move on with a clear mind. So next time you find yourself fixating on a past experience with your boss, take a deep breath and remember the importance of letting go for your own well-being. With time and practice, you’ll develop the ability to let go and move forward in a healthy way, both at work and in life.

In conclusion, don’t let frustration build. Letting go is an important skill to have in any workplace environment. It allows us to navigate conflicts and obstacles without being consumed by negative thoughts and feelings. By learning how to let go, we can improve our relationships with colleagues, maintain our mental well-being, and ultimately perform better in our jobs. So next time you find yourself struggling to let go of a negative experience at work, remember the steps outlined here and make an effort to move forward in a healthy way. Your future self will thank you for it.

Click here for a post on avoiding burnout as a tech exec by practicing selfcare.

How Lack of Diversity at the Top Impacts All

I recently encountered a January 1949 article about Harry Truman and the 81st Congress, featuring a photograph of the newly elected Democratic Senators. At that time, Democrats had just regained control of both the House and the Senate. The image was captivating, showing Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey at the start of their Senate careers—future president and vice president. More striking, though, was the evident lack of diversity, highlighting limited representation in Congress and the Senate during the 1940s. This absence reflected the policies, rights, and societal makeup of the nation then, a time when racial and gender discrimination were the norm, dominated by white men.

The 1949 newly elected Senators including Lyndon Johnson and Herbert Humphrey

Since then, we have made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in politics.

The United States elected its first African American president, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris became the first female Asian American Vice President. Additionally, there is a record number of women and people of color now serving in Congress. This progress highlights the hard work and dedication of activists, leaders, and citizens who have fought for equal representation and rights.

However, despite this progress, much work remains.

The lack of diversity in politics is an ongoing issue that requires attention. Though representation from marginalized communities has increased, major barriers still hinder full participation in the political process. These include systemic racism, voter suppression, and unequal access to resources.

To continue advancing towards a more diverse and inclusive government, it is essential to recognize and address these issues. We must ensure equal opportunities for all to run for office and be heard, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status. This involves investing in community outreach, increasing local government representation, and promoting diversity in political parties.

Moreover, diversity in politics goes beyond mere representation.

It involves creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, by promoting open dialogue and listening to marginalized communities. This helps develop policies that better reflect the diverse population they serve.

Consider how lack of diversity translates into the business world.

If the leadership of your organization were homogenous, with similar ideas, the company would mirror that lack of diversity. This lack of diversity can lead to blind spots, limiting the company’s potential for growth and success. In contrast, a diverse team brings varied perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to more innovation and creativity.

In conclusion, despite progress in promoting diversity and inclusion in politics, much work remains. We must keep striving for equal representation and ensure all voices are heard in government. By doing so, we can create a more just society and pave the way for future generations of diverse leaders. This mindset should also extend beyond politics into all areas of society, as embracing diversity builds stronger communities and a better world for all. Let us continue moving forward on this journey towards equality and inclusivity.

Click here for a post on how to handle inheriting an organization that’s not diverse.

How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence for Success

The following is a guest post from Dylan Foster from healthwellwise.com.

Often, confidence doesn’t come naturally – and that can sometimes go double for leaders in the IT industry, since their work often requires them to work independently and with less positive reinforcement, as well as in stiff competition with others in the field. In fact, for many, to overcome self-doubt and build confidence is a personal journey that requires immense time, effort, and dedication. But the work is worth it! Confidence serves as a driving force that helps us recover more quickly from setbacks and advocate for ourselves in both our professional and personal lives. Today, let’s explore the art of building confidence and offer several practical tips to help you overcome self-doubt!

Advance Your Skills and Credentials

Particularly for those in the constantly changing technology industry, confidence issues are common – but pursuing advanced education to elevate skills and earn new credentials can be a big help. When you invest in learning and growing, you gain tangible evidence of your capabilities. This provides a concrete sense of achievement, which boosts your self-esteem and serves as a reminder of what you can do. For example, by earning an online degree in business, you’ll learn key skills including accounting, auditing, communication, leadership, and management which will open the doors to new career prospects.

Dealing with Managerial Stress

If you find yourself managing a team instead of working independently, that can come with its own share of stress, as well. After all, you’re responsible for guiding others, making decisions, and handling unexpected challenges. To manage this pressure, it helps to prioritize self-care, set realistic expectations, and establish open communication with your team. By delegating tasks and building a supportive work environment, you can reduce the sense of isolation that can accompany leadership roles.

Clean and Organize Your Home

Did you know that cleaning is an act of self-care? Real Simple explains the intricate relationship between our homes and our mental health. When you take the time to declutter and clean, you regain a sense of control over your environment, which, in turn, can boost your self-esteem. A clean home also fosters a positive atmosphere, reducing stress and promoting greater well-being. Plus, cleaning is an act of self-discipline that, when completed, will provide immense pride.

Prioritize Your Needs

Many of us neglect our own needs to care for others. Over time, this can degrade our confidence. Prioritizing yourself is a powerful act of self-empowerment! When you invest in self-care, you acknowledge your worth and needs, reinforcing a positive self-image. This self-nurturing not only reduces stress but also bolsters your resilience, making you better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Take some time for yourself and watch as the people around you begin to respect your boundaries.

Develop a Growth Mindset

Are you operating with a fixed mindset? According to Big Life Journal, a fixed mindset means you believe that traits like intelligence, talent, and skills are unchangeable. In contrast, a growth mindset involves the belief that any skills and abilities can be developed through practice and effort. When you adopt a growth mindset, challenges are no longer obstacles but opportunities to learn and evolve. As cliché as it sounds, this mindset can give you confidence in your ability to do whatever you set your mind to!

Step Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Personal growth occurs beyond your comfort zone. When we’re facing unfamiliar situations or new challenges, we’re forced to adapt and learn. Each step outside our comfort zone represents a moment when we choose courage over fear. The key is to start small. Adding too much pressure can lead you to turn and run back into your comfort zone. Instead, you want to find an optimal level of discomfort or anxiety that creates motivation and increases your performance. Don’t try to take on your biggest fears right out of the gate! Take baby steps and watch your confidence grow over time.

For leaders in the IT industry, to overcome self-doubt and build a strong sense of confidence can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort. Whether you’re advancing your skills by returning to school, cleaning your home, or making time for self-care, stepping beyond your comfort zone and adopting a growth mindset will help you achieve success. Believe in yourself and you can accomplish anything!

Click here for a post on how to develop executive presence.

Book: Competing in the Age of AI

Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World is a thought-provoking book written by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani, two renowned experts on digital transformation and innovation. The book delves into the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and how organizations can effectively compete in this new era.

With AI becoming an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, it’s no surprise that businesses are also incorporating AI into their operations. However, with this technological advancement comes a whole new set of challenges for organizations to navigate.

In this book, Iansiti and Lakhani provide readers with valuable insights on how to develop an effective AI strategy and leadership approach that will enable businesses to thrive in the age of AI.

Book: Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani

The Impact of AI on Business

The authors begin by discussing the impact of AI on business operations, emphasizing how it has transformed traditional industries and created new opportunities for growth. They highlight how organizations must adapt to this rapidly changing landscape or risk falling behind their competition.

One of the key points made is that organizations need to view AI as more than just a technology; it’s a fundamental shift in the way businesses operate. This mindset shift is crucial for leaders who want to harness the full potential of AI within their organizations.

The Importance of Strategy and Leadership

Iansiti and Lakhani argue that in order to succeed in the age of AI, organizations must have a well-defined strategy and strong leadership. They provide examples of companies that have effectively navigated this new landscape by developing a clear understanding of how AI can be integrated into their business processes.

The authors stress the importance of having leaders who are knowledgeable about AI and can effectively communicate its potential impact on the organization’s operations and culture. This requires leaders to continuously educate themselves on emerging technologies and stay updated on industry trends.

Developing an AI Strategy

In the book, Iansiti and Lakhani outline a framework for developing an effective AI strategy. This includes identifying areas where AI can create value within the organization, aligning it with business objectives, and fostering a culture that embraces AI.

They also discuss the importance of data in developing an AI strategy. Data is the foundation of AI, and organizations must have a robust data infrastructure in place to leverage its full potential.

Furthermore, the authors stress the need for organizations to be agile and adaptable in their approach to AI. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, businesses must be prepared to pivot and adjust their strategies accordingly.

The Role of Leadership

Leadership plays a crucial role in successfully implementing an AI strategy. Iansiti and Lakhani emphasize that leaders must not only understand the technical aspects of AI but also possess strong leadership skills. This includes creating a supportive and inclusive culture, fostering collaboration between teams, and aligning AI initiatives with the organization’s overall vision.

The authors also highlight the importance of ethical considerations when it comes to using AI. As AI becomes more pervasive in our lives, leaders must prioritize ethical principles and ensure that their organizations are using AI ethically and responsibly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, competing in the Age of AI provides valuable insights for leaders who want to stay ahead in this ever-changing business landscape. It stresses the importance of developing a strong understanding of AI, having a well-defined strategy, and possessing effective leadership skills. By following the guidance provided in this book, organizations can position themselves for success in the age of AI. So, it is essential for businesses to continuously adapt and evolve in order to stay competitive. Leaders must be proactive in understanding and harnessing the power of AI to drive innovation and growth within their organizations.

Click here for a post on how a company goes from being good to being great.