Did you know there are two types of conflict - one good, one bad?

I don’t really like conflict.

It makes me feel a bit sick, especially in meetings where any disagreement is played out in full view of everyone.

But good conflict is your friend.

When smart people who trust each other disagree, very powerful things happen.

The trick is to do good conflict not bad conflict.

Good conflict - disagree about the task

Bad conflict - disagree with the person

Good conflict thrives in a psychologically strong working environment where people feel safe to disagree and be disagreed with.

Bad conflict bubbles up under the surface when people feel over-challenged, under-valued and under-supported.

Good conflict makes good things happen fast.

Bad conflict is slow and low performing.

Here's a conversation pattern for turning bad conflict into good conflict.