A Great Team Fights Well

As with marriage, many make the incorrect assumption that the best teams are conflict free.  They often equate conflictwith dysfunction.

http://ronalvesteffer.com/a-great-team-like-a-great-marriage-fights-well/

Conflict in teams is beneficial when it:

1. Helps to break down perceived barriers of politeness that prevent open communication and the exchange of great ideas.  
2. Gets to the heart of the issue.  
3. Crowd-sources the best ideas and filters out the weakest.
4. Causes individuals to defend their position so that they’re sure they’re standing on solid footing.

Initially, even healthy conflict is uncomfortable.  And it can be particularly unnerving in the workplace unless a safe environment is created.  

As is often the case, the key to fighting well is fair and effective communication.  Team leaders must clearly articulate that conflict is an expected, natural and necessary part of group interaction.  And they must reinforce that expectation (including the “why” behind it) often.  

After being given the necessary permission, it doesn’t take long before team members are comfortable expressing their opinions, challenging assumptions and building on each others ideas.  They become energized, they feel closer as a team (conflict has a way of strengthening relationships), and they begin to produce exceptional results.

The true challenge for a leader is to shift the paradigm that says all conflict is bad and make others feel safe to debate and challenge one another freely.

Just as in marriage, when conflict is perceived as a dysfunction, it results in hurt feelings, resentment, anger, division, name calling and ultimately each person feels like they’re spinning their wheels and not going much of anywhere.  

Fighting well means contributing to the conversation through open and honest communication with grace and care.  It also means receiving others contributions with respect and grace.  And the most critical element is that we focus on the issue and not the person.  When conflict becomes personal, everyone loses.

Remember, none of us are as strong as all of us.