Two mangers, faced with making a critical decision, sit across from each other in a conference room. Both have clear but very different objectives. Yet each one confidently tries to win the other over to his side.

Because each side is supported by equally confident constituents, there is little room for negotiation. As a result little progress is made, and the meeting is adjourned. Both leave frustrated and unsure that a compromise can ever be reached.

Such is the dilemma faced by President Obama and Speaker of the House Boehner; different positions, confident constituents and uncertain that a compromise can be reached. One demands higher revenues, the other spending cuts.

But the “value” of conflict cannot be underestimated; not in government nor industry. Indeed conflict and debate clarifies issues, challenges assumptions and can actually build relationships not destroy them.

Yet in many organizations, especially those characterized by a stable and … Read More

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