Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree

The video discusses the work of Alice Stewart, a pioneering epidemiologist who discovered the link between X-rays during pregnancy and childhood cancer. Despite her findings, it took 25 years for medical practices to change. Her collaboration with statistician George Kneale exemplified constructive conflict, which is crucial for effective decision-making. The video also highlights the importance of conflict in organizations, illustrated by Joe's case in a medical device company. It emphasizes the need to develop conflict-handling skills to foster open information and better decision-making.

How did Alice Stewart's research impact the medical community's practices regarding pregnant women?

What lessons can be learned from Joe's experience in raising concerns about the medical device?

In what ways does the text propose we can develop skills to handle conflict in organizations?

What does the text suggest about the relationship between openness and conflict in organizations?