Time for Constructive Conflict - Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson

Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson shares how smart business practices could help the U.S. lawmakers make the next few months the best time for political dialogue.

After venting about our failure of political leadership earlier this month, I am pleased to see this week's progress where politicians from both parties came together. If handled properly, the next few months of political dialogue could be the best of times for the U.S. — or the worst.

To keep moving in the right direction, our political leaders need to take a cue from how America does business. At Marriott International, we work very hard to create an environment where disagreement can be sharpened and used as a tool for making better decisions. Unlike our politicians in Washington, our leadership team is highly collaborative. They respect and like each other. They are broadly aligned on common goals, most importantly to be the best hospitality company in the world. As a consequence, we need to be very deliberate when we reach a crossroads about intensifying conflict. Conflict can help us sharpen our internal debate so that we make better decisions.