Corporate
The Big Debate: a real discussion, away from office hierarchy
Some topics a company genuinely needs to debate — a strategic decision, a change of direction, an unresolved tension — and they are rarely discussed honestly in a room with the usual hierarchy sitting around the table. The Big Debate moves that conversation to deck, with a structured debate format: fixed speaking turns, a moderator, and a topic agreed in advance.
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Photo by AinaCE · CC BY-SA 4.0
The debate format
Before we sail, we agree the topic and turn format with you: it can be a two-sided debate, an open round, or a "devil’s advocate" format where someone argues the opposite of their own position. The moderator can be one of yours or, if you prefer, someone from Essence Sailing with no stake in the outcome.
The session usually runs two to three hours, leaving the rest of the day for lunch and unwinding. There is no need to reach a decision during the debate itself — often the value is simply that the topic finally gets said out loud.
When to use it
It works especially well ahead of an important decision — a reorganisation, entering a new market, a change of model — when the company needs to hear every position before deciding, not after.
Frequently asked questions
Who moderates the debate?
It can be moderated by someone from your team or, if you prefer, an Essence Sailing team member with no stake in the outcome, to keep the format neutral.
Does the session have to reach a conclusion?
Not necessarily. The goal is for positions to be stated clearly; the decision can be made afterwards, with that information on the table.
