Managing the Conflict Continuum

Executives’ meetings often go one of two ways: nothing is said at all, or it’s “open combat.” One is peaceful and harmonious. The other is hostile and executives openly attack each other. Both ways are completely unproductive. 

As a leader, it is important to push yourself every day by being direct and speaking up. Do this increasingly more each day, and you will eventually identify your “line.” Every leader and leadership team has a line; if they go too far past it, they will say something that doesn’t align with their intentions. When leaders work hard to find their place, or line, on this conflict continuum, they are given the opportunity to be heard and understood. It also creates the opportunity for forgiveness. 

Managing the conflict continuum means executive teams have the willingness to speak the truth during meetings and have the grace to accept an apology. By successfully managing the conflict continuum, leaders can get the best out of their team and lead productive meetings.