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Encourage (the RIGHT) Conflict
You should not be so afraid of conflict that you avoid it at all costs. In reality, you and your organization need a significant amount of constructive conflict to make the right decisions.
In a team with that much constructive conflict, there's a chance that sometimes it'll accidentally shift into destructive conflict (i.e. someone says something that's a more personal argument or insult). THAT'S OKAY! As long as your team has that basic layer of trust, your team will weather the storm. In fact, if your team's conflict never accidentally goes into the destructive zone, you may not have enough conflict.
In a team with that much constructive conflict, there's a chance that sometimes it'll accidentally shift into destructive conflict (i.e. someone says something that's a more personal argument or insult). THAT'S OKAY! As long as your team has that basic layer of trust, your team will weather the storm. In fact, if your team's conflict never accidentally goes into the destructive zone, you may not have enough conflict.
Real-World Examples
Sierra Soccer Team In the first half of the game, Stuart (a defender) made the same mistake three times, two of which led to goals being scored by the other team. After each mistake, several of his teammates laid into him with excessive personal insults. Example: personal attacks and destructive conflict. |
Blunder Mifflin Company In a leadership meeting, there's significant debate about whether or not to bring the travelling salesman in from the road. There's passionate, public debate about whether or not to do it, and they arrive at the conclusion that it's a bad idea all together. Example: the RIGHT conflict. |
Sharpe First Aid Squad In the monthly meeting there is very little debate or conversation at all. Instead there's usually total silence among the members as decisions are made. The meeting ends, and only THEN does conversation pick up... In small groups of friends... All of it seems to be against the decisions made. Example: artificial harmony (and lack of commitment). |
Tl;dr Top Tips:
- Conflict isn't a bad thing, in fact it's required for a healthy and successful team.
- It's okay if sometimes you stray into a little personal conflict. If you have a strong team, it will survive!