The F+A Way: Embrace Diverse Perspectives

Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their age, background, experience or tenure with our company. We make better decisions when we consider multiple perspectives.

There’s an amazing book by Pulitzer-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin that directly illustrates this week’s fundamental. It’s called Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.

In it, she details how Lincoln stocked his cabinet with political rivals – literally, the men who ran against him for the presidency – and how their diverse political beliefs, professional strife and often very personal drama (for real – there’s some juicy bits) was instrumental to leading our country through the Civil War.

In a 2005 interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, Goodwin discussed the dynamics at play. “It’s almost unimaginable that [Lincoln] was able to keep this group together. But the success in keeping it together meant they also represented very different spectrums of political opinion from very conservative to moderate, to radical. And as long as he could keep that coalition together by keeping these people inside the tent, he was actually keeping those strands in the country together as well.”

Fortunately, we now consider diverse perspectives to include a much wider tent than the similarly aged and moneyed white men who were permitted to occupy political office in the mid-1800s. But the premise holds that when we convene and create a platform for individuals and groups to share differing perspectives, experiences and opinions – and when we listen with intent, respect and willingness to be challenged – then outcomes are better. More effective. More inclusive. More creative.

The sum is greater than its parts.

Each week, the F+A team gathers to discuss The F+A Way: our defined cultural fundamentals and touchstones that help us best serve our clients. We take turns sharing our thoughts on the key principles that define us, asking questions to spark conversation.