Exploring Agreeance: Nurturing Authentic Accord, Productive Disagreement, and Meaningful Outcomes

Flashback

In 2018, I wrote an article contemplating the nature of agreeance and its various states. In the course of my work, this week, I’ve needed to revisit, refresh and expand upon the concept of agreeance. This overarching term encompasses three distinct states: accord (healthy agreement), discord (conflict), and dys-cord (unhealthy agreement). By delving deeper into these states and embracing the distinction between resolutions and outcomes, we can better understand the dynamics of agreements and how mediators and facilitators can guide parties towards healthier and more authentic outcomes.

Rethinking 'Consensus': Embracing the Power of Disagreement

Traditionally, consensus has been emphasised as an ideal state, with the understanding that parties are of one mind. However, we now recognize that excessive focus on consensus can dull innovation and creativity, limiting adaptability. Preserving independence of thought and engaging in productive disagreement, we can sharpen our decision-making. True accord, which goes beyond mere consensus, is grounded in shared purpose and one's heart connection to that purpose. This type of accord, even in the presence of active disagreements, allows for ongoing collaboration and fruitful engagement, leading to meaningful outcomes.

The Essence of Identity: Authenticity in Accord

Accord not only encompasses the terms of an agreement but also reflects the parties' identity and core beliefs. It is about being authentic and consistent with one's values, those things held "close to the heart." Authenticity establishes a foundation of integrity and purpose, ensuring that actions undertaken in pursuit of the agreement align with the parties’ true selves. By honouring core beliefs, parties foster trust, commitment, and mutual respect, setting the stage for collaboration and the achievement of meaningful outcomes.

Elements That Can Be Lived With; and Elements that Cannot Be Lived Without

Within agreeance, agreements comprise elements that parties can live with and elements they cannot live without. Recognizing this distinction is vital for achieving authentic and sustainable outcomes.

Accord arises when parties find alignment on elements they can live with, representing shared and separate hopes, motivations, and commitments.

Discord emerges when there are active disagreements on elements that parties cannot live with, potentially leading to conflicts.

Dys-cord occurs when parties compromise on elements they cannot live without, resulting in discontent, distrust, and potentially resentment.

By identifying and addressing these essential elements, mediators and facilitators help parties reach agreements that honour their core needs and values while fostering cooperation and achieving meaningful outcomes.

The Evolution of Accord: From Active Disagreement to Meaningful Outcomes

Accord is not merely about resolving specific issues but also about achieving meaningful outcomes that align with the parties' shared purpose. Parties can collaborate and reach satisfactory outcomes even while some disagreements remain unresolved. By maintaining independence of thought, parties can continue to engage in productive disagreement and work towards shared objectives. As the focus shifts to meaningful outcomes and shared purpose, initial disagreements may diminish in importance, allowing for a unified vision that supersedes individual differences.

Conclusion:

By exploring the intricacies of agreeance and embracing the distinction between resolutions and outcomes, we gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative process. Nurturing authentic accord, fostering productive disagreement, and aiming for meaningful outcomes enable parties to reach agreements that respect their identities, core beliefs, and values. Mediators and facilitators play a crucial role in guiding parties towards these outcomes, promoting trust, integrity, and long-lasting cooperation. By fostering an environment that embraces productive disagreement and recognises the power of shared purpose, we unlock the potential for innovation, growth, and the achievement of truly authentic and transformative outcomes.

ACW