I think mutual respect goes a long way in helping a group function the way it is intended to. Nobody likes to get offended and ideas just die if there is a hostile atmosphere in the group. So, yeah, I would say that mutual respect for each other maybe a starting point of getting to the bigger goals.
Yes that's about right. There are also ways to communicate contrarian views along with the status quo without losing one's stance..
Exactly. People today think that if there is a person who has opposite views than them, they should automatically belittle that person which is not how ideas grow.