Turn the heat up!
Wait a minute, hold up now – haven’t we just spent the last several weeks exploring ways to overcome and resolve conflict. Isn’t conflict a bad thing? Why would we ever deliberately orchestrate conflict in the workplace?
Remember when we first started our discussion we noted that not all conflict is bad. Like dissonance in music, some types of conflict within a group can inspire learning, motivate action, enrich a discussion and generate innovative solutions. And these are all positive outcomes.
So, what can you (as a leader) do to spark the little bit of tension – the push and pull of ideas, concepts and viewpoints – to motivate and mobilise your team towards greater creativity and innovation?
Heat it up by…
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Direct the focus of attention to the tough issues – often people will try to avoid conflict, sliding away from the discussion when they hit a nerve or things become tense. Avoiding the discussion is a pathway to continuing the same way as before, rather than innovating. So, when those moments arise during a meeting, redirect the conversation back to the tough issues and keep the discussion on track.
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Surface conflicts – if you’re paying attention to your team, you’ll notice what’s being buried beneath the surface. Rather than allowing team members to sweep issues under the rug, actively bring those conflict points to the surface. In an appropriate setting, at an appropriate time, and perhaps with yourself or another trusted colleague as a mediator, encourage them to engage in a healthy discussion and resolve conflicts together.
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Allow provocative statements – part of your responsibility as a leader is to create a safe and supported space for your team to be their best selves and do their work. Whilst you need to stay on top of and deal with any comments that are personally negative, derogatory or malicious – provocation comments related to the work can be useful. When sitting in a meeting, as long as the conflict is becoming hurtful on a personal level, allow challenging statements to stand and see what greatness they can spark in your team.
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Know and use the room’s dynamics – this is all about knowing your team, sensing when someone is holding back something we need to hear, who can you count on to play devil’s advocate – know your people and subtly guide them to use their talents in the best interests of the team and the work.
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Exceed comfort levels – learn to sit with silence and feelings of discomfort. Tensions can reap hugely beneficial rewards but that doesn’t mean the journey through the conflict will be smooth and painless. There will be moments of awkwardness, discomfort and irritation but riding them out will get you and your team to that end goal of creativity and enrichment.
Like a pressure cooker, master the skill of keeping the heat at the right temperature for your team to cook greatness!