Ever wonder why some teams innovate while others stagnate? The secret might lie in how they handle disagreement. In this episode, we explore why creating space for constructive dissension isn’t just good leadership – it’s essential for business success.

Justin Gomez, an expert in inclusion and cultural intelligence, specializes in helping organizations work effectively across differences. His work focuses on building team capabilities and helping new leaders navigate the challenges of fostering open dialogue.

In this conversation, we dive into what constructive dissension really means and why it matters for your bottom line. Justin shares practical ways to create psychological safety so team members feel comfortable speaking up, and how to handle disagreement gracefully (even when it triggers defensiveness).

We explore the connection between diversity, innovation, and constructive dissension, along with specific tools and practices for encouraging healthy disagreement in meetings. Justin explains why anonymous surveys might be holding your team back and discusses the role of cultural intelligence in fostering productive disagreement.

This episode is perfect for leaders looking to build more innovative, inclusive teams. Whether you’re a new manager or seasoned leader, Justin offers practical insights for turning disagreement into a powerful tool for team success.

Key Highlights

• Constructive dissension isn’t about conflict – it’s about improving outcomes and leveraging diverse perspectives
• Psychological safety is foundational – teams need to know they won’t face retribution for speaking up
• Waiting for anonymous surveys means missing months of valuable feedback that could help your team innovate faster
• Leaders should model how to handle disagreement by thanking people for speaking up, even when feeling defensive
• Consider using different feedback channels – some team members prefer writing their thoughts rather than speaking up
• Cultural differences, including generational ones, impact how people approach disagreement
• Don’t assume everyone thinks alike – even teams that seem similar have valuable diverse perspectives

Resources/Links Mentioned

“Fearless Organizations” by Amy Edmondson

LinkedIn: Justin T Gomez 

Website: KolchaCollaborative.com

Full Bio

Justin Tomas Gomez, M.S., is a Certified Career Counselor, Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Certified Facilitator, Executive Coach, and Curandero (Belizean Traditional Healer) based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Justin integrates evidence-based and ancestral practices into his work and is passionate about helping individuals and organizations heal and grow through inclusion and workplace well-being. His expertise spans public speaking, intercultural consulting, executive coaching, and career development, making him a trusted guide for people leaders worldwide.