When it’s time to work with a group of people, conflicts naturally arise. When people have their own opinions and viewpoints regarding topics they’re passionate about, the tension can get thick. However, a recent article in the Harvard Business Review suggests that this may not be a bad thing. In fact, when there is a disagreement among leadership, it can be a catalyst for good. So, when it’s time to really take a look at what needs to be done to make things better, the right conflict can create the right solution. Consider these four reasons why disagreements among leadership may not be a bad thing.
- Understanding Viewpoints
At the core level of each person’s argument, they’re revealing what’s most important to their core value. It’s easy to become offended when someone gets passionate in the face of a disagreement. However, it’s actually a chance to understand a person a little better. Consider this an opportunity to develop and solidify the professional bond you have with your leaders. When a disagreement develops, it’s usually obvious that someone has struck a nerve with someone else. Once you’re able to get to the root of why the coworker feels the way they do, you’re able to understand them better and what’s most important to them in the work setting. That one factor will oftentimes lead a person to make the decisions that they make. Knowing a person’s driving force and motive helps when you’re in the midst of a disagreement.
- Strengthens Communication
In the corporate setting, you can’t avoid an underlying issue too long before it blows up in the company’s face. There is too much at stake. In the corporate setting, a blow up equates to a lack of client retention, job loss, profit loss and discord within the company. Because these results are never the end goal, it’s best to sit in the thick of the tension and communicate through the difficulties. Oftentimes, face-to-face communication isn’t nearly as bad as people make it seem in their minds. If a company tradition of dealing with conflict is encouraged, this strengthens the entire unit’s ability to communicate with one another. Each conflict and mediation session allows employees to walk away with an understanding of how to communicate more effectively and efficiently to solve a problem expeditiously.
- Sparks Innovation
In many cases, conflict is the catalyst for innovation. Innovation leads to higher standards of operation and efficiency. Take a look at the arguments on the table. It’s best to look at each argument from a critical lens. By doing this, you may realize that the current conflict is inevitable due to an inefficient process within the company. This realization needs to start the conversation toward innovating a different practice so that this conflict never comes up again. This is why many people don’t believe in the full concept of failure because it can teach lessons and highlight where things need to change and become better. In that case, conflicts can be an extremely positive opportunity to innovate.
Would you like more advice on how to handle disagreement and achieve positive outcomes amongst conflict? Contact Michael DeSantis Trusted Advisors.
