Communication, Conflict and Motivation

Pick a fight

Conflict can be painful, but it can be channelled as a force for good. Don't shy away.

Many people try to avoid conflict, especially in the office. But conflict can be a constructive force as well as a destructive one. It can provoke new ideas, and push people into new and better ways of doing things. Avoiding conflict means failing to address genuine issues, and failing to find better ways to work together.

If you’re never arguing, you’re never opening the door to this mode of problem solving. Be careful though: don't be unpleasant to people. Criticism of ideas or behaviour is OK, but not of beliefs or characteristics.

Take action

personal-development

Face your fears

Avoiding a fight, or in one you can't shake? Deal with the conflict

Make a plan

one-to-ones

Be contrarian

Your team won't learn if you won't challenge them, and their work will suffer.

Be the devil's advocate

team-meeting

Be provocative

Group-think and silent dissenters are bad for decisions. Be a contrarian, and poke the metaphorical bears.

Agree to disagree

with-your-boss

Find a different viewpoint

Your thinking needs challenging too. Your boss can help.

Court critique

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