Generating constructive conflict is a leader's responsibility
A workshop on how to reap benefits from conflict
"They say they favour a ‘team’ that lives and works in ‘harmony’. I say, 'Give me a raucous brawl among the most creative people imaginable.' " Tom Peters
Workshop Description
When bound together by a powerful vision, a group becomes a team that is greater than the sum of its parts. Together we are better than any one of us can be alone.
In this session we outline ways in which workplace groups – teams – can comprehend the dynamics of conflict and look at some ways to create the best outcomes that diverse interests and abilities are capable of creating.
Key Content Points
1. Absence of conflict is not harmony - it’s apathy.
2. Diverse opinions and styles – and the "creative abraison" they often create – are essential to high performance.
3. Conflict has both positive and negative characteristics.
4. Differences turn into discord only when individuals lack the appropriate skills to discuss contentious topics.
5. Conflict may be managed constructively through a variety of tools.
6. Respect is fundamental to positive conflict management.
7. Good people management comes explicitly through communication techniques and implicitly by modeling desired behaviours.
Learning Objectives
Upon conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to
- Understand why diverse opinions and styles are keys to successful team development and achievement.
- Recognize communication skills and fundamental conflict styles.
- See how to find common ground that brings about new thinking among conflicting parties.
Copyright(c) 2009 Carol J. Sutton