Fight about ideas, not people.
Research (Karen Jehn) separates conflict about the task from conflict between people. The personal kind is reliably harmful. Task conflict, handled well, sharpens decisions.
Task conflict
About The Work
“I think the other design is safer.”
- Challenges ideas
- Surfaces risks
- Useful when respectful
Relationship conflict
About The Person
“You always overcomplicate.”
- Attacks character
- Spreads fast
- Poisons future debate
Disagree & commit
Then Move Together
“I'd go another way, but I'm in.”
- Everyone heard first
- Decision made, and owned
- No quiet sabotage
Sources: Administrative Science Quarterly ↗ · Amazon ↗
Fight about ideas, not people.