Some may wonder if that term is a contradiction within itself – an oxymoron. Let us assure you, it is not! Too often we assume conflict is bad, harmful to relationships, and disruptive to a harmonious work environment. In fact, many of us were taught as children that conflict is bad or wrong, and the truth is that conflict is a natural occurrence. So, we suggest a paradigm shift, as not only is that common reaction and assumption incorrect, conflict is a catalyst to creative and innovative thinking and collaborative decision making. Businesses (as well as personal relationships) grow with “healthy conflict”, and talented teams thrive.
Conflict in the form of argument shrouded in barely controllable (or uncontrollable) anger, sarcasm and condescension is not what we are talking about. This form of conflict is destructive and should not be tolerated in any organization.
And, the last thing you want as an executive or business owner is to have your team described as “polite”. Polite in this context is a euphemism used to describe an ineffectual team.
Neither extreme works and neither is effective.
Healthy conflict on the other hand is liberating. Although it is fair to say to the strong willed, that it may not feel that way as your point is being dissected and you have no idea what parts will come out intact– if any.
Healthy conflict:
- Requires you to go deeper behind the reason for your idea.
- Requires you to state not only what you believe but also why you believe it.
- Requires you to defend your idea and not your ego. Healthy conflict is about the ideas, not about the people with the ideas.
- Leads to creativity and innovation as new avenues are explored through intelligent challenge.
People are respected in healthy and vibrant organizations and healthy conflict is essential for a people-centric organization.
In Thursday’s Quick Tips we will show how to break the stalemate. A stalemate occurs when all of the arguments have merit and a decision is required. The reason – while healthy conflict is good, it’s great when it leads to a meaningful decision to produce results.
Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest
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