Encourage healthy conflict

Have you ever experienced being in a meeting? The manager says something and then asks the question: “Are we all agreed on this?” Everyone in the room nods their head in unison and upon leaving the room, the same people who said they agreed are the same people who begin to complain about the decision?

Most companies are so sensitive about conflicts. In fact many business organizations I know want conflict avoidance and engage in conflict resolutions right away the moment they sense conflict happening. This is not a good thing and I will tell you why.

I am not referring to petty conflicts like who gets the better chair or who got the stapler without returning it. These conflicts are for kids. What I am referring to is another kind of conflict called meaningful conflicts. Meaningful work conflict is a cornerstone in healthy, successful organizations. Conflict is necessary for effective problem solving and for effective interpersonal relationships. Most people miss this for the simple reason that they look at all kinds of conflict as stressful and so they avoid it.

While conflicts may be uncomfortable but using it in the right way can bring tremendous benefits for the organization.

Let me tell you why meaningful conflict is healthy and important.

1. Healthy conflicts bring out fresh ideas from everyone that would be good for business.When people can disagree with each other and lobby for different ideas, your organization is healthier. Disagreements often result in a more thorough study of options and better decisions and direction. What you do not want to happen is for everyone in the organization kowtowing to a strong personality manager who tends to dominate the meetings.

Some people I know tell me they do not want to participate in organizations and office politics. Get real! Office politics is everywhere and if you do not learn how to deal with it you will never accomplish the things that are important to you at work, your work mission. And, that would be tragic. You need to learn how to raise issues and participate in meaningful work conflict because this is key to your success in your career and in your life.

2. Healthy conflicts are a reflection of a healthy work environment. You can be sure that differences of opinion are encouraged and this is good for business. People involved in this process show more professionalism and they can now explore different approaches towards achieving the same-shared goals. If organizational goals are aligned and all employees are moving in the same direction, healthy work conflict about how to get there is respected.

3. Healthy conflicts afford you with the means to recognize, reward and thank people who are willing to take a stand and support their position. Now you see potential leaders in your organization. The same people who are willing to make a stand for their beliefs are the same people who carry the passion to do what they need to do.

4. Healthy conflicts in the work place sharpen your leader’s maturity and sense of professionalism. Especially when they have learned that conflicts can take place inside the board room or the meeting rooms and may even be encouraged but once they get out of the room they would all professionally agree to support the final decision to reach their shared goals.

5. Healthy conflicts forces your people to be scientific in presenting accurate data and information when they meet to discuss issues. This prevents group think and lack of preparation in information support before coming up with a viable business decision.

Now here is the key. If you are the leader and you experience little disagreement from staff then you need to examine your own actions. Maybe you are sending signals that you do not welcome dissention. This will not be good for you and your organization.

Encourage healthy conflicts and manage it correctly. Attack issues, never persons or personalities. And be humble enough to accept corrections too.

Consider others better than yourself and you will be all right.

Always remember that if you happen to be right all the time, then there is something wrong with you. 

Francis Kong’s Sept. 4 Culture of Personal Excellence Seminar at SMX Convention Center is just a few days away. VIP and Gold tickets are all sold out, only Silver and Bronze tickets left. For further inquiries contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. 632-6872614 or 09178511115).