Conflict is all around us. We’ve been taught it’s something to avoid, something to deescalate whenever possible. Why? Because conflict takes energy and an ability to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. But what we often forget is conflict also gives way to growth, new ideas and passion.
Most workplaces are a melting pot of different economic and cultural backgrounds, and if we think of these as the lens through which we look at the world, it’s safe to say each contributor has a unique interpretation of the workplace (and the people in it). When different perspectives collide, sometimes there’s friction. And while not all friction has business value, the most profitable organizations understand it’s a critical component of a healthy bottom line.