How to Solve Conflict Productively at Work

Seven strategies to turn tensions into fuel for growth

Seven strategies to turn tensions into fuel for growth.

“Conflict is the beginning of consciousness.” — M. Esther Harding

Tensions are a source of personal and organizational growth. Conflict is neither good or bad. If managed poorly, it can deteriorate the culture and collaboration.

Conflict keeps teams and organizations alive. It’s the tension that challenges people to adapt, learn, innovate, and grow.

Unfortunately, most organizations and leaders see conflict as a bad thing. They have an idealized version of collaboration. And expect people always to get along and agree on everything.

Positive dissent is vital to maximize opportunities and uncover new ones. Cognitive dissonance makes teams smarter, as research shows. Innovation feeds off diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences.

A practical approach to addressing conflict is adhering to the following ethos:

Friction creates energy-and energy drives creativity.

You can try to avoid conflict, but you cannot escape conflict. Tensions are…