Encouraging Conflict

This week the Wily Manager guys talk about how and why you would want to encourage conflict in your organization.  No… it’s not about fist fights in the hallway, but it is about encouraging dissenting viewpoints.  Does your team get along too well?  Read on.

Monday’s Tip: Realize that some conflict is good. Don’t make the mistake of believing that everyone always agreeing and getting along is a healthy thing.  People should debate, argue and disagree in the normal course of their lives.

Tuesday’s Tip: Question if your team has enough conflict. Are your meetings quiet?  Do the decisions get made outside of formal meeting times?  Do people avoid controversy?  You may need more conflict.

Wednesday’s Tip: Appoint a Devil’s advocate at each meeting. If people won’t disagree naturally, then assign someone to do it for you.  You can also ask, “What would someone who hates this idea say?”

Thursday’s Tip: Don’t ever make conflict personal. When conflict becomes personal, it is destructive, and is more likely to be avoided.  To encourage conflict, people need to know they won’t be attacked personally.

Friday’s Tip: Build your team with diversity in mind. If you build a team where people are afraid or unwilling to disagree with you or others, you will not have the diversity required to perform at a high level.