“The Great Debaters” is a 2007 movie based on the true story of an African-American debate team from Wiley College in Texas. Set during the 1930’s Great Depression era it documents the struggles of the team and its charismatic and demanding coach, Professor Melvin B. Tolson, as they hone their debating skills while facing widespread discrimination and terror tactics in the Jim Crow South. The team eventually earns the right to debate the undefeated champions from Harvard University, an historic occasion for that period. While the movie script alters actual events (as all movies based on true stories usually do) it nonetheless offers a stirring tribute to the perseverance, courage, and intellectual prowess that vaulted this debate team to the top of their game.
The fine art of debate is sadly missing from much of today’s business and political landscape. While it is true that differing viewpoints are rampant, any discussion about the foundational problems and issues is often lost in the angry, cynical, and mean-spirited rhetoric offered on both sides. Politics and social issues perhaps suffer the most from this approach but business and not for profit enterprises are just as guilty of unfettered and unproductive discourse.
Debate is defined as a contention of words or arguments so perhaps by implication we should expect emotion to rule the day. Formal debates are in fact stirred by passions and participants use sentiment to strengthen the appeal of their argument. The movie’s final debate scene includes the poignant retelling of a witnessed lynching to bolster the position for civil disobedience versus violence in response to the atrocity. A standing ovation was evidence that the debater had captured the hearts and imagination of the audience.
Business and political debate cannot divorce itself from emotion but it can do more to harness the passion and research the facts. Our hunger for sound bytes and immediacy has rendered many of our arguments impotent of the facts. True debate requires a substantial investment in the quality of our propositions, something we can’t deliver if there is an expectation for speed and efficiency. The movie’s debate team had 48 hours to prepare for their Harvard showdown and worked nearly around the clock to research, practice, and organize their arguments. Few business leaders allow time for careful investigation, thoughtful reflection, or dress rehearsals before a major presentation or planning event. The day-to-day activities of running the firm crowd out time for preparation.
Perhaps more dangerous than not having the facts is our reluctance as leaders to accept the truth as proposed by others. Whether we create this environment through fear of retribution or benign neglect, the consequences of decisions without debate can be devastating. When any voice or viewpoint is silenced because it differs from the stated position or status quo the quality of any outcome will be diminished. Recognizing when key stakeholders or roles are missing during debate is a quality of leadership that needs greater attention. The ability to facilitate discussion when the topic is fraught with emotion is a skill to be nurtured and developed.
Knowing how to encourage healthy debate is a tool every leader needs to be successful. Making time for discovery of the facts, encouraging differing and minority viewpoints, and managing the discussion in an atmosphere of trust and respect will result in better decisions and stronger outcomes. Resolve: I will do more to foster debate in an effort to become a better leader. Will you do the same?
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