Do Differences of Opinion Set Off Your Threat Detector?

By Linda Fisher Thornton

Differences of opinion can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. We may be in a discussion with someone who has very different views from ours, on a topic of great importance to us. How we handle it shows others the inner workings of our character.

We have all been in conversations with people who are open to hearing what we have to say and those who are not. When we perceive an idea as a threat, it may be a signal that we are CLOSED to learning. And that may lead us right into unethical territory, to disrespectful interpersonal behavior.

As you review these descriptions, think about your recent conversations. Was the other person OPEN or CLOSED to learning? Did they perceive a difference of opinion as a threat or an opportunity to learn?

Sees a Difference of Opinion as a Threat

Different ideas are direct threats to my position
When we disagree, only one of us can be right
Listening to dissenting opinions is dangerous and should be avoided
People who disagree with my position should be belittled and put in their place to reduce their power

Sees It as a Learning Opportunity

Different ideas are opportunities to learn
When we disagree, we might both be describing different parts of a bigger concept
Listening doesn’t mean we have to change our beliefs, but we are open to that if it happens
Listening to dissenting opinions increases our understanding of issues we care about

Ethical leadership requires us to respect people and differences of perspective even when those differences may make us uncomfortable.

Override your threat detection system when you hear information that goes against your current views.

If differences of opinion set off our “threat detection” system and make us angry, that may be a sign that we are closed to learning. I have noticed over the years that perceiving the ideas of others as a threat is signal that we need to listen.

This week, notice what sets off your threat detection system, and see what you can learn when you choose to override it and remain open to learning.