How do you handle disagreement with ExCom peers?

• A. Everyone is fully heard and understood.
• B. We vote and move on.
• C. We avoid confrontations.
• D. We defer to the most senior member.

Answer: (A)

Open, inclusive discussion where every ExCom member is heard and understood is essential when disagreements arise. When you ensure that each person’s perspective is voiced and their points are truly understood, problems become clearer and assumptions are challenged. This clarifies what the disagreement is really about and helps the group build a shared understanding of the issue.

As you listen, restate or summarize others’ points to validate them, ask clarifying questions, and acknowledge legitimate concerns. This creates trust and makes people feel respected, which in turn makes the team more willing to collaborate toward a solid, well-supported decision. The result is a path forward that reflects the collective input of the group rather than a single viewpoint.

Other approaches can short-circuit this process: moving forward after a vote may leave important concerns unaddressed; avoiding confrontation can let issues fester and erode trust; deferring to the most senior member can sideline valuable insights and reduce engagement.