I don’t like conflict. Most of us don’t. But the right kind of conflict can drive innovation. Let’s take a look at the key to distinguishing between productive and destructive conflict.
Recently, I was doing some research on conflict resolution and found a great chapter in one of the books in my library, Winning Decisions by Russo and Shoemaker. The chapter was enticingly titled The Case for Conflict and it piqued my interest right away. How could that be? Conflict can be so unpleasant and divisive. After all, don’t we all aspire to achieve harmony and cohesiveness in any work group? Russo and Shoemaker answer “Yes, but not prematurely.” They went on to explain that when a group strives for harmony quickly and at all costs, too few alternatives are examined and too few objectives are taken into account. Intelligence gathering becomes one-sided. Risks inherent in the preferred option, as well as the person presenting them, are often shunned.
Rather than avoid conflict, they state leaders would be wise to know the major difference between productive and destructive conflict. Relationship conflict is defined as conflict between individuals in which perceived differences in style, background, or values are under attack. It should always be avoided or resolved outside the group. However, moderate amounts of task conflict, differences in opinion about the task at hand and how it should be completed, are necessary and valuable if you want the group to accomplish more than simple groupthink.
Moderate levels of task conflict results in a more thorough and creative discussion and a richer understanding of the issues. In contrast, low task conflict teams tend to overlook key issues, they avoid analyzing the downside risk of the consensus option. Because their understanding of the issues is often superficial and one-sided, they are associated with poor decision-making.
So here’s my quick tip: Rethink conflict. Encourage task conflict that is resolved through balanced debate and careful intelligence gathering. Keep in mind that when it takes place in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, conflict has an important place in fostering creativity, learning and good decision-making.
And remember –
Whatever Your Goal or Dream…WE Can Make it Happen.
