Most organizations have too little conflict.
Teams that can’t fight fair are mediocre. They don’t innovate. They can’t leverage each other’s skill. Excellence eludes them.
10 Ways to Fight Fair
- Keep it small. Involve people with skin in the game, no one else.
- Flatten the group. Leaders and decision-makers participate with everyone.
- Say what you really think with kindness and openness.
- Withhold judgment.
- Never reward brown-nosing.
- Never attack a person, ever.
- Train people to listen to understand before challenging an idea.
- Stay on topic. Expanding adds complexity.
- Always honor constructive dissent.
- Reject participants who don’t fully embrace mission, vision, and values.
The rule: Everyone pulls together once decisions are made.
Get real:
I’ve always enjoyed hot debates but not everyone feels the same. If it’s easy for you, you’re scary to others.
- Train teams how to engage in productive disagreement.
- Focus on character. Leaders need humility to avoid taking dissent personally.
Warning: Friction between individuals based on personalities, backstabbing, and gossip hinders productivity. Don’t nurture a negative work environment. Solve it quickly.
How can teams fight fair?
What dangers should be addressed when learning to fight fair?
You Lose if They Can’t Disagree
Encourage Healthy Conflict on Your Team HBR
