Product & Startup Builder

Combative vs. Collaborative work styles

Added on by Chris Saad.


In some older workplaces and workstyles, there is a tendency to assert authority and insist on certain outcomes using a combative and confrontational style.

This no longer works. In modern companies and work cultures, the goal is to create a collaborative and open environment whereby everyone is encouraged to express their perspective, concerns, and creative ideas freely.

In these environments, a leader's role is not to confront members of the team, but rather ask them questions that identify blind spots, flesh-out under-developed ideas and encourages everyone to do their best work

Rather than asking "Why didn't you...", the question should be "Why don't we...". Instead of saying "You totally missed the point..." the observation might be expressed "I think there's an area we need to explore more...". 

Importantly, this doesn't suggest that communication should be vague. It should be precise and actionable. It just doesn't need to make the other person feel like they're under attack.