Colleague clashes | Firms need to embrace conflict or risk being left behind

Conflict at work is usually considered synonymous with toxicity and something worth emailing HR about.

But for years, many business leaders and managers have highlighted the potential positive effects of encouraging healthy conflict, discussion and competitiveness in the workplace. But why is this the case?

The right kind of conflict can lead to innovation

Healthy conflict and discussion can be something that arises as result of diversity in an organisation. Some experts say that the more diversity there is in a company, the more likely there is to be conflict and differing opinions and perspectives. But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If leaders manage this conflict effectively, this can lead to more interesting outcomes and innovation.

What’s more, encouraging healthy conflict in the workplace can prevent ‘groupthink’ -- when a company prioritises the consensus of thoughts over a critical evaluation of ideas – this can often lead to a stunt in innovation and growth. In a competitive business landscape, during a cost-of-living crisis and war on talent – this type of communication could excel businesses to surpass their competitors.