Book review: In Defense of Troublemakers

Ben Marshall Dec. 26, 2018

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Many of us like to consider ourselves as open-minded, willing to consider alternatives and having “original” ideas—following our intuition and wisdom. 

However, it can be easier to go with the majority, especially when conflict arises. Sometimes we aren’t willing to genuinely hear the alternative view. When the dissenting view arises, we are more likely to firm up our current position than we are to listen carefully and consider changing our view.

In Defense of Troublemakers, by Charlan Nemeth, is a helpful resource for every leader. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lead pastor, CEO, president or employee in ministry or the marketplace—there is something valuable for you in this book.

Nemeth argues that we need more dissent in our meetings and conversations; and we need to be more willing to listen to genuine dissent. Why? “Many of us live in information bubbles characterized by consensus” (p 93). Living in these information bubbles causes us to hold narrow views and make less informed decisions.  

“In general, consensus narrows our thinking to the perspective of the majority. We can then start to think of abnormal things as normal and lose our ability to see alternatives or to question the consensus” (p. 83) and, “Just one person challenging the consensus can break that power and increase our ability to think independently and resist moving to erroneous judgments” (p 39).

It takes courage to disagree. It is not easy, and we often react negatively toward dissent, but we can make much better decisions when we’ve genuinely considered multiple perspectives. “By using divergent thinking—that is, approaching an issue from several vantage points—we are likely to make better decisions. This is the kind of thinking that dissent stimulates” (pp. 12-13).

While this book holds value, the one grief I have is the length. Much of what was shared could have been shared in a more concise manner. By the end of the book, it seems like the content is repeated. 

I hope this book encourages you to genuinely dissent and listen to and encourage others dissent and allow it to influence the way you make decisions.

Photo source: istock 

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Ben Marshall is a Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He works with teenagers and young adults. He is passionate about leadership and raising up the next generation of biblical leaders. He is a blogger, guitar player and sports enthusiast. Ben currently resides in Beaver Falls with his wife Connie and their two daughters, Aliya and Sophie Learn More »

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