This week on The JSA Blog, we’re sharing some news based on what we are seeing in the current marketplace.
We all like being on the same page as our colleagues. After all, any organization strives to have all of its employees rowing the ship in the same direction. On the other hand, when it comes to conflict, many of us will do whatever it takes to avoid it. Conflicting ideas and opinions can be uncomfortable, no matter if it’s in your personal life or in the office.
Many of us even have the perception that if we voice a conflicting idea or opinion, that we may be looked down upon or it may jeopardize our position. But if we break it down, it’s clear as day that conflict and all the uncomfortable feelings that come with it can be a huge positive for any business. Although consensus is easy and doesn’t rock the boat, it won’t get the boat moving as efficiently and in the right direction.
According to FastCompany.com, here are 3 benefits of workplace conflict:
- Seeking the truth vs. seeking consensus. If you seek the truth, then conflict is a given. People have a wide range of ideas about the best way to get tasks done and the best strategies to lead the company to overall success. If employees feel pressured to conform to a superior’s idea, then it’s more probable than not that the true, best ideas will be buried. The bottom line: truth leads to conflict which will give way to a better discussion with as many potential ideas as possible on the table.
- People pleasing vs. bringing all ideas to light. We’re sort of wired to conform with the ideas of the most superior person in the room. So if you’re in a meeting with a top executive and you are relatively new to the organization, the inclination is to sit back and agree with them. However, sometimes the best ideas come from people new to the organization who bring a fresh set of eyes. Business leaders should aim to promote a workplace culture that encourages everyone to speak up, without fear of any repercussions or negative stigma. This is how the best companies in the world operate and you can’t argue with their success.
- Finding solutions vs. adhering to conventional standards. If you’re goal as an organization is to find the best solutions, then you can expect plenty of disagreements along the way, and that is okay! In a world where the majority often rules, that doesn’t always mean the majority is right. If you look at real world examples of big success in the business world, you’ll often see companies who pioneered the way and revolutionized how their industry operates. When Amazon decided to sell books and almost any item imaginable online, many thought it was a crazy idea. It’s a great example of why we should value every single idea, no matter where it comes from or how silly it may seem.
For more details and to read the full article from FastCompany.com, click the link below!
