All great relationships, the ones that last over time, require productive conflict in order to grow. It’s important to distinguish productive, ideological conflict from destructive fighting and interpersonal politics.
Productive conflict
- Is focused on concepts and ideas
- Avoids mean-spirited, personal attacks
Conflict is often considered taboo, especially at work, and people may spend inordinate amounts of time and energy trying to avoid the kind of passionate debates that are essential to any great team. Teams that engage in product conflict know that the only [purpose is to product the best possible solution in the shortest period of time.
*2014 by Patrick Lencioni and John Wiley & Sons