How can you "work across the aisle" more effectively?

Leading People
Written By Stacia Aylward

The Challenge

Identify two members of your team with whom you often disagree. For each of these people: 1) Try to understand the beliefs and values that contribute to their perspective; 2) Identify at least one area of common ground. 

Why do this?

Skilled leaders identify potential sources of conflict, encourage the expression of differences in opinion, and ensure that disagreements are constructive and result in better decisions.

When people enjoy working with you they'll give you more opportunities to work on interesting and challenging projects, allowing you the opportunity to improve your leadership skills and impress your managers. 

What’s next?

Studies show that workers who feel connected engage more productively at work. As a leader, seek out differences of opinion and focus on what drives each person's opinions. Explore the history behind those opinions. Seek to find common ground that can serve as a pathway for building connections. Find solutions that everyone can support.

Stacia Aylward

Zelos CEO Stacia C. Aylward is an executive leader and lifelong learner with broad professional experience in envisioning and leading programs, projects and teams; facilitating and teaching adults; conducting research; and developing client relationships using proven methodologies in many government and technical fields, including economics, education, healthcare, housing, non-profit governance, IT and law. Stacia holds a master’s degree in Communication and Information, a bachelor’s degree in English, a Six Sigma black belt certification, and a Coach Approach to Leadership credential.

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