Disagree and Commit: A Management Philosophy from Intel to Meta
Introduction
The concept of "disagree and commit" has recently gained prominence in Silicon Valley, with Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth urging employees to embrace it. This phrase emphasizes decisive decision-making and full commitment despite disagreements.
Origins in Intel's Culture
The phrase is thought to be rooted in the management philosophy of former Intel CEO Andy Grove. Grove believed in fostering a culture of cohesion around decisions, even if those decisions were initially met with opposition.
Jeff Bezos's Adoption
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, popularized the phrase. He championed it as a way to expedite decision-making and avoid the pitfalls of compromise. Bezos believed that disagreements should be exhaustively debated but that once a decision was made, all parties should fully commit to it.
Amazon's Leadership Principles
The "disagree and commit" principle has become a cornerstone of Amazon's leadership culture. It emphasizes the importance of fully committing to decisions once they are made. Andy Jassy, Amazon's current CEO, has adopted the phrase and incorporated it into the company's official leadership principles.
Evolution and Application
In recent years, the phrase has evolved into "disagree and commit — or leave." This variation places greater emphasis on the consequences of not wholeheartedly embracing the company's decisions. Meta's CTO has used a similar approach, urging employees to either leave or fully commit to the company's policies.
Benefits and Limitations
The "disagree and commit" mantra can encourage productive conflict and lead to better decision-making. It can also foster a sense of unity within organizations by ensuring that all parties are pulling in the same direction. However, if not implemented properly, it could lead to suppression of dissenting opinions and a lack of true consensus.