By Dave Marks, D.Min.
Unresolved conflict in the workplace is expensive on many fronts. The decrease of productivity, having low morale, the forming of unhealthy alliances, the resulting turnover rate, and the ever-increasing danger of violence have spawned numerous workplace policies, procedures, and training seminars. The concept of a disgruntled employee, volunteer, or customer “going postal” is on the mind of leaders everywhere. Conflict can be a critically important component in the formation of high-functioning teams. The key is knowing how to allow the right amount and the right kind of conflict into the system without letting it escalate into a damaging dispute.