We weren’t exactly lost. But not found either. I wanted to play it safe, walking along the old railway line. My friend said no, we’re supposed to be walking next to the sea, let’s turn left. A few minutes later we stumbled upon a glorious estuary. And, thankfully, low tide. And it turned out that we walked near where the owner of the Titanic had lived: disgraced because he saved himself. Great outcome.

Listening and responding to contrary views is trebly beneficial (although not fashionable). There are often better outcomes. Secondly, it can help make us more resilient (“anti-fragile” in the parlance of Taleb’s excellent book) and empathetic. And finally it can broaden ownership of whatever path is chosen, if the dissenters feel respected and listened to.

Applies to us as individuals, organizations or communities.