Conflict doesn’t have to seem like a squabble, a quarrel, or a fight. It can be as subtle as two ideas trying to occupy the same space at the same time. Conflict is natural, and even necessary, especially in high-performing teams operating in a stressful environment.
As soon as two or more people gather, it is virtually inevitable that they will experience “ruptures” – disagreements, misunderstandings, mix ups, disconnects, and the like. The highest performing teams, however, don’t let these ruptures fester, but rather they know how to “repair” ruptures quickly. They engage in healthy conflicts to clear the air, fuel creativity, and help keep their relationship space clean.
But how we navigate conflict matters. Fault finding might feel good in the moment, and avoidance might be an adequate short-term fix, but seldom are these strategies sustainable. A more empowered approach is to understand your default conflict style – and that of others – so that you can resolve conflicts with less friction and more flow.
