Management Tip of the Day: Embrace Constructive Conflict

 

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser.

January 07, 2014 Embrace Constructive Conflict Finding the right balance between the need to deal with conflict and the instinct to avoid it is one of the toughest challenges that managers face. While unbridled conflict can create a toxic atmosphere, insufficient conflict can be just as damaging: creative ideas and better ways of getting things done – which help organizations advance – often stem from constructive conflict. Encourage constructive conflict by reinforcing the notion that people can disagree about ideas and strategies, practices and processes, but still respect and like each other – it's not personal, it's business. Rather than leaving it to chance, schedule time with your team to question norms and change the way things are done. If someone pushes back or raises an uncomfortable question in a meeting, back them up rather than shutting them down. If possible, make those moments teachable and encourage others to do the same. Adapted from "Nice Managers Embrace Conflict, Too" by Ron Ashkenas and Lisa Bodell.

PREVIOUS TIPS Road Test Your Business Case Before Presenting It Embrace the Power of Restraint What to Do When Communication Styles Don’t Match Update Your Job Search for 2014 Three Ways Introverts Can Build Their Personal Brands Diversify Your Network of Sponsors with the 2+1 Rule

BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials | HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set | HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations | HBR Guide to Better Business Writing | HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done

FEATURED PRODUCT The First 90 Days App for iPhone and Android MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER TRANSITION A SUCCESS. Download The First 90 Days App today to help you stay ahead of the game. Download on the App Store Download on Google Play

FEATURED PRODUCT Conscious Capitalism, With a New Preface by the Authors HBR Press Book The bestselling book, now with a new preface by the authors. At once a bold defense and reimagining of capitalism and a blueprint for a new system for doing business, Conscious Capitalism is for anyone hoping to build a more cooperative, humane, and positive future. Whole Foods Market cofounder John Mackey and professor and Conscious Capitalism, Inc. cofounder Raj Sisodia argue that both business and capitalism are inherently good, and they use some of today’s best-known and most successful companies to illustrate their point. From Southwest Airlines, UPS, and Tata to Costco, Panera, Google, the Container Store, and Amazon, today’s organizations are creating value for all stakeholders—including customers, employees, suppliers, investors, society, and the environment. Read this book and you’ll better understand how four specific tenets—higher purpose, stakeholder integration, conscious leadership, and conscious culture and management—can help build strong businesses, move capitalism closer to its highest potential, and foster a more positive environment for all of us. Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT

HBR.ORG | THE MAGAZINE | BLOGS | BOOKS | CASES | STORE | SUBSCRIBE TO HBR UNSUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT Copyright © 2013 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 (US/Canada) 1-617-783-7600 (outside the U.S. and Canada)