“Contrary to popular myth, great teams are not characterized by an absence of conflict. On the contrary, in my experience, one of the most reliable indicators of a team that is continually learning is the visible conflict of ideas … conflict becomes, in effect, part of the on-going, creative dialogue”. - Peter Senge
Effective teams do not suddenly emerge on their own, fully developed and highly motivated. They require careful and consistent nurturing, as they evolve from a collection of individuals to an integrated, well functioning unit that unleashes the creative potential in each of its members.
One of the critical barriers to developing such teams is the conflict that naturally arises when several individuals are asked to work together. This topic will help you develop your ability to manage such conflict with confidence and skill.
This topic will help you to:
- Learn to expect conflict in a team and value it as a rich resource for creativity.
- Reflect on your own conflict management style and how it might be having an impact on your teams.
- Explore skills for successful conflict management, and discuss with your colleagues how you might apply them in your work.
