It is critical to the success of a group, team or business when collaborating to say only what you believe to be true. At times in meetings with clients, we get the right noises from the leadership team, but not the powerful actions we need. We do not see the conflict that is necessary to get real movement, real commitment.

This may mean that the team really doesn’t believe what is being said and are faking it. The individuals may have a meeting after the real meeting to discuss the ideas that they disagree with, or they go home and tell the spouse why they do not believe the ideas will work. In meetings when people really do not believe, we see a lot of “maybes”, “that’s an idea” or “what about”, no real sparks or engagement.

Most leaders are willing to give up what they want, in favor of a goal the team has, as long as it is reasonable and satisfies the requirements. But, it is hard to have real progression when the team keeps faking it. Bernard Shaw summed it up pretty well, “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

We need employees that are willing to stand up, argue, and be leaders to help pull out the best from everyone. If done right, conflict is good. It brings a team to real commitment and emotional engagement to mutually agree upon goals. Healthy conflict can build independence, encourage new ideas, cause growth and can actually strengthen relationships. So don’t shy away from it, just learn how to manage it effectively.

Some questions to consider:

• Is your team truly engaged or are they faking it?

• Are you aware of conflict within your team and failed to address it?

• What are you doing to capture the energy and get real commitment from your team?

If your organization needs help getting commitment from your team or need guidelines to manage conflict, contact our expert guides at 800-786-4332 or email Candace at CClemmer@AppliedVisionWorks.com. It only takes 30 minutes to get started!

If you want to read more about productive communication within your team,  download the Communication and Conflict white paper by clicking here: