Can you imagine that conflict can be good for your business? It can actually be good for any organization, family or community where people gather; as long as it’s a healthy environment. Fostering a healthy environment that supports conflict can be tough, however. It’s not an easy thing to do because people tend to fear conflict. We all want everyone to be happy – don’t rock the boat.

To be clear, the type of conflict that we’re talking about here is healthy and passionate debate about the different issues and ideas facing a business.

Here’s an example. Remember the good old days of American politics? You know, the days when a Democrat and a Republican would sit across the aisle from each other, debate passionately, and then, afterward, go for a cocktail each other. Well, that is what we have in mind – conflict over ideas, not personal conflict. (and you thought I mean the cocktail! Well, yes, that too.)

So, why is conflict good? Because a powerful team is composed of committed individuals. And, commitment to the team can only come when people share their ideas and are allowed to take ownership of the process of the team. It is important to note that even if a person’s ideas aren’t ultimately accepted by the group, that person still has created commitment to the group decision because he/she was able to contribute their thoughts.

We ran a workshop for a large leadership team and facilitated them through a three-hour conversation around a single, critical idea. Three hours! And, in the end, all nine people in the room came to consensus about the topic we were discussing. Everyone felt good about the decision they came to and committed to support the idea. Each person was heard and acknowledged. Everyone felt like their opinion mattered. That is how teamwork works and how good teamwork can get / keep a company on the right track.

If you’re really serious about the success of your business, we encourage you to determine how to incorporate healthy teamwork into your culture. Just remember that healthy teamwork works best when you also incorporate an ethic of healthy conflict. Your investment of time and risk will be well worth it.

(Many of the ideas expressed here have been drawn from the work of Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.)

Be BOLD, Embrace Conflict and improve your business from the inside out. The Business Bootcamp by Bold Vision Consulting. February 20. Visit our website at www.BoldVisionConsulting.com for more information on the BOLD Business Bootcamp or to find the registration form.

The next Ocular Forum begins in March. The application deadline is February 21 so go to www.OcularForum.com for more information and for an application.

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