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About this quote

What does it mean?
Organizations should allow dissenting voices that expose uncomfortable truths.
In plain terms
Accept rebels who point out flaws.
What can you take from it?
Value honest criticism.

Where it applies

  • corporate meetings
  • political movements

Putting it to work

  • establish safe channels for feedback
  • reward constructive critique

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance dissent and unity?
  • When is silence more harmful than speech?

Another view

Too much dissent can destabilize cohesion.

More from Colin Powell

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  3. 'Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off.'

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