Dangers of Avoiding Conflict
Nothing undercuts shareholder value quite like a company culture that evades conflict.
The stakes are high because the true value of a team lies in its capacity to be more than just the sum of its members. If this is not the case, then what you're dealing with isn't a team, but merely a group of individuals functioning independently.
Building Upon Diversity
The power of a team is drawn from the diversified knowledge and skill sets that supplement and amplify each other.
However, this kind of synergy only occurs when team members actively share their thoughts and also comment freely on the ideas of others. This free exchange of ideas is essential to deriving maximum value from a team.
Psychological Safety: The Bedrock of Effective Teams
The core enabling factor for free exchange of ideas is the establishment of psychological safety, underpinned by vulnerability-based trust.
This is an environment in which everyone can express their honest opinions, challenge others, admit their errors, ask for forgiveness, and extend forgiveness as well.
Two Ways Organizations Can Fail
Regrettably, an organization can falter in one of two ways:
In some instances, teams may avoid conflict entirely due to a lack of trust, resulting in what we refer to as "artificial harmony." In such situations, even though diverse opinions exist, they remain unspoken. Leadership's first expressed opinion is typically accepted without alternatives being considered.
Conversely, there might be extensive debate, but it's not constructive or aimed at the right objectives. This can be termed as "mean-spirited attacks." The discussion, in such a case, becomes a tool for political or personal attacks.
In a situation where there's more than one person present, and only one viewpoint is voiced, then all the other participants become redundant.
Cultivating Constructive Conflict
Achieving a healthy balance where conflict becomes a tool for growth rather than destruction requires intentional effort.
1. Establishing a Psychologically Safe Environment
The foundation of vulnerability-based trust in teams is formed through individuals working together and learning to trust each other. Naturally, this process requires time. However, it can be expedited through the right kind of team-building exercises. Patrick Lencioni's "5 Dysfunctions of the Team" model is the gold standard for such exercises.
2. Hire for Openness and Constructive Debate
Recruiting individuals who have demonstrated the ability for open, constructive debate is essential. This practice ensures that the team culture values diverse perspectives and respectful discourse.
3. Cultivate Respect and Psychological Safety
Do not tolerate behaviors that intimidate or cause people to hesitate in expressing their opinions. Such actions include personalizing debate, ridiculing others, and displaying an inability to accept feedback.
4. Encourage Inclusive Participation
Proactively support and encourage all team members to voice their thoughts. It is important to provide space for more reserved individuals to contribute their unique perspectives. A variety of viewpoints is a strength to be harnessed in the pursuit of innovative solutions and robust decision making.
