The Contrarian Manager: The Importance of Alternative Viewpoints

Abstract

Contrarians are valuable members of any management team since they can help avoid potential mistakes by presenting alternative viewpoints. Management literature and general opinion are overly weighted to stress harmony and consensus as organizational values. The contrarian is an antidote to this group think that can take action without sufficient critical analysis, overlook threats to the organization, predict overly optimistic results, and hamper diversity. Contrarian should present well-reasoned positions, choose their battles wisely, and avoid being shrill. They should also recognize those cases when a decision must be made quickly. They are more successful when they are recognized as productive members of the team and supportive of the organization’s goals and objectives.

Keywords:

• alternative viewpoints
• contrarians
• decision making
• group think