627: Why You Should Encourage Conflict Within Your Team

If you’ve listened to this podcast before, you might be under the impression that the hosts get along just fine. You’re right! When there are just two people, conflict is a lot less complicated, and a lot easier to resolve. Around two weeks into having a bigger team, we noticed that everyone would look to us for the answers, never contesting our conclusions. Different perspectives, backgrounds and insights all help us to make better decisions as a company. Abagail and Emylee want to make it really clear that not only do they not want to make all the decisions, but they actually believe that would be a really bad idea! That’s where conflict is necessary for the business to grow and thrive. Our new policies regarding encouraging conflict here at Team Boss Project Ever heard of artificial harmony? That’s what happens when the owner throws out a bunch of ideas, and the employees act as an agreeable audience. The motivations are good, but the effect is that you never end up saying what you really want to say unless you are the owner. Emylee and Abigail are no longer looking for consensus, they don’t need everyone to agree and back their ideas, but rather to disagree and commit! So, how do you, as a leader, create an environment where there can be healthy conflict? Ask the question, and then shut up! This leaves the necessary room to hear everyone else’s thoughts and opinions on the matter. The most crucial rule to follow for healthy conflict. A decision is better than no decision! An action is better than perfect action. It’s getting the ball rolling that teaches you what you need to do next. Generally speaking, this way of doing things helps us to stop things before they develop in the wrong direction. Critiques Abagail and Emylee experienced in art school helped us to manage feedback in our work. Don’t get 90% into a project before you send it through for feedback! It’s not personal, it’s a way to help everyone not to waste time.