Why I Read Things I Disagree With – And Why You Should Too

Why I Read Things I Disagree With – And Why You Should Too

As a management consultant at Rescon Partners, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that true growth doesn’t come from echo chambers. It comes from actively engaging with perspectives we don’t align with. In consulting, where critical thinking is everything, reading opposing viewpoints has been one of the most transformative practices for me. Here’s why:

1. Sharpening Critical Thinking
   Early in my career, I realized that sticking to familiar ideas wasn’t enough. Reading opinions, I disagreed with, whether articles, case studies, or books, forced me to reevaluate my assumptions. This clarity has made my recommendations stronger and more resilient.
2. Deepening Client Relationships
   Clients don’t always agree with our initial approach, and that’s okay. Understanding opposing perspectives has helped me navigate concerns more effectively, turning challenges into opportunities for deeper trust.
3. Sparking Innovation
   Some of my best ideas have come from questioning what I thought I knew. It’s uncomfortable, but exploring different viewpoints pushes me to find creative, impactful solutions.
4. Building Resilient Solutions
   By reading and anticipating contrary viewpoints, I’ve been able to craft recommendations that stand up to scrutiny. It’s much easier to address objections when you’ve already thought through every angle.
5. Positioning as a Thought Leader
   Reading things I disagree with has allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to conversations. As consultants, flexibility in thinking is key, and embracing diverse perspectives adds depth to my insights.

Next time you come across a viewpoint that challenges your stance, embrace it. Discomfort drives growth – and as consultants – our client’s growth is our business.

 Here are some things one could do to broaden perspectives for a start:

1. Read Widely Across Disciplines: Explore books and articles outside your usual field – fiction, philosophy, science fiction – to spark new ideas.
2. Take Up a Creative Hobby: Creative activities like painting, writing, or cooking encourage out-of-the-box thinking and lead to unexpected insights.
3. Challenge Your Assumptions: Don’t dismiss opposing opinions. Ask yourself why you believe what you do and whether there’s merit in the other viewpoint.
4. Seek Out Art and Performance: Visiting museums, attending plays, or experiencing diverse art forms opens you up to new ways of thinking.
5. Surround Yourself with Open Thinkers: Surrounding oneself with people who are open to and actively encourage critical thinking can be a game-changer. At Rescon Partners, we live by our value of ‘Maintaining individuality – be what you are, be creative’. This ethos has inspired me to embrace diverse ideas and perspectives.

At Rescon Partners, this approach has enabled us to provide clients with fresh, out-of-the-box strategies that drive success. We invite you to explore how Rescon Partners can elevate your strategic performance. Let’s schedule a discussion to address your organization’s unique challenges and aspirations. Together, we’ll uncover opportunities to create lasting value and fuel your growth.