Management Tip of the Day: Handle Both Kinds of Conflict

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 21, 2012 Handle Both Kinds of Conflict Every team has a certain amount of conflict, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As a leader you should identify whether the tension is destructive or constructive, and address it directly. Destructive conflict, including personal attacks and scapegoating, undermines the trust that is vital to working relationships. Manage it by acknowledging the problem, using persuasion, reminding others of the long-term perspective, or otherwise deploying your power as a leader. Constructive conflict, on the other hand, is when team members have divergent perspectives on your most important tasks or priorities. Ask pointed questions to draw the issues out. Then insist that your employees discuss them openly and work out solutions that can be integrated into your team's overall vision. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Leading and Motivating. Buy the course and learn what it means to be an inspiring leader » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT The Heart of Entrepreneurship Collection: Your Road to Success Special Collection Do you have what it takes to build a great business? In a world where you can no longer plan or predict your way to success, how can you achieve your most important goals? This specially priced three-volume collection will help you survive and thrive in your entrepreneurial business venture. Save more than 40% off the individual component prices when you order this set. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Take Mini Email Vacations Every Day Stop Wasting Your Boss's Time Let Employees Tell Their Own Stories about Change Change Your Culture a Few Behaviors at a Time Apply the Right Kind of Pressure to Innovators Create Raving Fans for Your Idea Demonstrate Your Credibility as a Leader Explore a New Career with an Informational Interview Reveal Your Intentions to Build Trust Motivate Your Problem Employee All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)