Positive Conflict

Conflict is a central theme of our lives. We see the negative consequences of war and violence all around us. Even in the workplace, disputes and arguments cause problems and stifle productivity. But opposition can, also, be positive. For instance, our muscles become stronger as they encounter resistance. The bonds of our relationships can become stronger as we strive to overcome our differences. Likewise, says author Darby Checketts, businesses and organisations can become stronger as a result of conflict. POSTIVE CONFLICT is a book that goes beyond coping with or handling workplace conflict; its premise is that conflict is often an indicator that creative energy is about to be unleashed. There is potentially positive power inside opposition, just as with the fusion of atoms. When opposing ideas are openly explored, a breakthrough in thinking can occur, which can reveal more comprehensive solutions. And the coming together of these once-opposing forces multiplies the potential for success. If our view of conflict transcends a win-lose mentality, we will see that the flipside of opposition is the opportunity for discovery and innovation. And in business today, we need leaders who can reconcile the seeming exclusivity of competing ideas and fuse them for new and better results.