Keeping Conflict Constructive: And Unleashing the Power of Divergent Thinking

Keeping Conflict Constructive

And Unleashing the Power of Divergent Thinking

Michael A. Roberto

In many organizations, debates become dysfunctional before the leader recognizes the warning signs. Diagnosing these situations as they unfold represents a critical leadership capability. How does a leader discern whether a passionate debate among his advisers and subordinates stands on the verge of becoming dysfunctional? Imagine two scenarios. In one instance, individuals continue to raise interesting questions that provoke novel lines of collective discovery. People try to understand others’ positions, and they remain open to new ideas. The search for creative new options persists. In another scenario, people repeat the same worn-out arguments, ...