Respect Trumps Harmony: Why Being Liked Is Overrated and Constructive Conflict Gets Results

by Rachael Robertson

Develop a high-performing team based on a culture where respect trumps harmony

As teams become more diverse, we won't always see eye to eye. We won't agree on everything, and we may not even like each other. In order to achieve results, we need to have robust, candid and constructive discussions. Respect Trumps Harmony offers a proven approach to navigating the difficulties faced in teams and workplaces today. To build collaboration; strengthen innovation; and manage safety, risk and well-being, it's critical that there is a foundation of respect, not harmony.

Developed during author Rachael Robertson's time leading one of the toughest workplaces on the planet--Davis Station, Antarctica--and further informed by over 15 years of research, case studies and feedback, Robertson suggests that harmony in the workplace is overrated, and can even be dangerous, and that above all else, respect is the key ingredient of a high-performance culture. A focus on respect over harmony improves everything from morale to productivity.

Respect Trumps Harmony integrates the three pillars at the core of Robertson's leadership practice: No triangles, The bacon wars, and Lead without a title, enabling you to:

- Manage conflict and put an end to gossip
- Improve accountability and the quality of feedback,
- Recognise and manage dysfunctional behaviour
- Build collaboration to strengthen innovation
- Identify and manage risk
- Inspire trust and confidence by displaying personal leadership, and encourage others to do the same irrespective of their title

Respect Trumps Harmony is a contemporary leadership handbook, essential for all modern leaders and those who wish to transform the culture within their own team.

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2020

Reviews

[Jason Boonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Leading on the Edge, I was intrigued by Respect Trumps Harmony and wondered whether Rachael would be able to live up to high benchmark she had set in her previous book.

I was not disappointed. In this book, Rachael provides practical tools for improving the workplace through mutual respect, rather than being liked. I particularly liked the Step In, Step Back model and the no triangles approach to addressing conflict in the workplace.

I recommend this book to all who are looking for a guide on how to build/develop a productive and effective team. Loved it.

[Ashfaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book which details Rachael’s presentation on leadership. I liked that Rachael has kept the language simple and has included relevant examples. There are no fillers attempting to expand the book.

My key takeaways from this book are:
a) No triangles are key to maintain long term harmony amongst the team
b) Leadership doesn’t require a title. A person who comes forward to help resolve a problem is a leader.
c) Leaders should use the Step In, Step back model to know when to intervene in a matter

[Jordan Rutledge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after seeing Rachael present at an event. Her speech/presentation was awesome and I liked the lessons she had put forth and was excited to read her book. Unfortunately it fell a little flat. I think it probably could have been a “guide” or maybe a pamphlet without being a full fledged book. The number of times it was stated “respect trumps harmony” was enough to make me resent hearing it at all. The message and learnings are good, it was just so repetitive and just not my cup of tea for a book.

[Rachel Mete · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good leadership book with some easily applicable themes that are broken down pragmatically, then evaluated. I would recommend this book to colleagues stepping into leadership positions as the commentary around managing friends and having difficult conversations are areas that people frequently seek advice on. The stories and applications of lessons from managing a team in Antarctica especially make this book unique and interesting.

[Robyn Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Leadership book which should be read by all leaders including people managers and matrix managers. The principals seem easy to implement yet can deliver profound results as noted by the author.

[Steven Kolber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, punchy piece that sticks to its three concepts

[Vanessa Caton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book with some good ideas, but it feels as though the second half is a repeat of the first half. If it was shorter I would’ve rated it much higher.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a great summary of the leadership techniques that Rachael delivers in her presentations and throughout her first book.

They are simple, easy to understand and easy to lead by example on.

No triangles in particular is one that we all should use in all aspects of our lives.