The Pure Power Of Positive ConflictPosted by Broussard Bowling on May 18th, 2021 Sad but true - life within the cube can often be seen as a strife. Negative conflict, whether according to interpersonal differences or political maneuvering, abounds. Ironically, for organizations to intensify and reach their potential they desire more conflict, not less. Here's the hook - we need more positive conflict and much less negative conflict. Negative conflict is overly emotional, usually unnecessarily personal, and depending on opinions and bad assumptions. Negative conflict, obviously, is actually never linked to positive outcomes in the office. Conflict management online is much more honestly rational than emotional, usually based on real issues not interpersonal differences, and rooted in objective facts. Want real innovation and improvement? You need three things: more positive conflict (and much less negative conflict), better conflict management skills in the organization, as well as a solid "no jerk" rule. More positive and much less negative conflict These are separate but closely related ideas. Let's start using the negative. If you're a leader and you genuinely love enhancing your group and organization, from now on you personally shoulder the duty to call out - in real time, promptly - all clear instances of unproductive negative conflict. See it, step in and discuss it, and clearly state to the people involved why it is deemed an illustration of unproductive negative conflict that can not be an integral part of our work culture continuing to move forward. Be kind, stay positive, be useful - yes, but get it done. If you see the cases of ugly negative conflict show up and you relax to cope with it, you'll not possess a workplace competent at capitalizing on positive conflict. Assuming negative examples have been in check, positive conflict is principled debating, questioning of assumptions, fact based sparring. As a leader, you encourage and facilitate this positive and aggressive way of dialogue. Don't forget - you need to be questioned too, your comments are not not allowed when it's time to get into debate mode. Hone those conflict management skills If the aim is usually to maximize the contribution of positive conflict, you need to arm your team to deal with positive conflict. There are many internal and external approaches, but the point is easy: everybody is not naturally wired to effectively navigate conflict filled situations. Commercial mediation Online is why these are skills that could be quickly acquired. Training on this sort will increase your team's capability to keep conversations positive and fact-based, to onsite visit unacceptable emotional levels, to identify and prioritize whether confirmed dilemma is well worth the effort essential for positive conflict, to find the correct people involved inside the conversation, specify tactics for safely asserting one's point as well as for honestly validating others' points, etc. For well chosen employees, a couple of days spent working through these tactics via reading, discussions and experiential activities can pay huge dividends for the team. No jerks allowed It is, however, not just about your team - it's really down to you. Any time allowing more than one website visitors to significantly and/or persistently deviate from your major behavioral norm (including shunning negative conflict in order to build positive conflict), you might have wasted all of your effort. When principled members of your team watch allowing a few individuals always take part in negative conflict with no consequences, you're toast. If you want to be serious, you cannot play favorites or shut the door on conflict. The rule should be clear and respected by all - no jerks allowed. Conflict management online spread being a virus in the office. One lone jerk, able to certainly be a jerk at will, will spoil the morale in a very group quickly. In short, as it were strongly encourage your direct reports to start enforcing the ban on negative conflict, find some resources to help you the entire group build some tried and true conflict management skills, if you personally will model the proper behaviors by not allowing any jerks to flourish, you'll have made great strides towards realizing the pure power of positive conflict for your organization.Like it? Share it! More by this author |