Conflict is understandably something employees avoid. Disagreement can escalate to an extent that seems irreversible, so the most logical individuals who work together won’t rock the boat, but there are moments when that’s not possible. The good news is that letting employees hash out ideas with passion and candor can have a silver lining.
Silencing discourse that’s not positive doesn’t allow employees to have real dialogues
When colleagues can hash out differences in opinion without taking it personally, the company benefits. Brainstorming and solving problems requires exploring both good and bad outcomes. The best decisions are made after thorough discussion. It can actually be more destructive towards the overall growth process of a company when its staff feels it’s best to keep critical ideas to themselves.
Team building includes learning how to disagree
A success driven team understands that disagreement is only a phase in the journey towards success. Creating a culture where exploring all the sides of a plan brings energy to a team. It can be inspiring as long as everyone engaged in the back and forth understands that difference in opinions shouldn’t be taken personally. They have to be trained to understand that the ultimate goal isn’t being wrong or right. It’s identifying the best direction for the company. Managers would be wise to offer best practices in effective communication between those who work in teams, many, however, don’t.
Collaborating isn’t just smiling and giving colleagues the thumbs up
When team members sitting at a table together feel free to explore the ins-and-outs of the challenges they’re confronting, they’re more deeply involved in the success and failure of their company. Employees who are dead weight will only participate in conversations as much as is required and won’t go out on a limb to make sure that targets are reached or exceeded, so it’s important for higher ups to encourage adventurous brainstorming and not censor real dialogue between their people.
Effectively handling conflict
It’s not always a topic that’s addressed during the onboarding rites that new hires undergo, but it should be. Managing discord between employees after it begins to build, is not half as effective as offering conflict resolution coaching during the orientation process. Employees who begin a job prepared for the challenges that come with it will have a structured approach towards the work they do. They’ll be less likely to simmer at their desks instead of deploying the skills they’ve been given to constructively find solutions to problems that arise
To learn more about Aaron Symank, visit AaronSymank.org