Changing My Attitude: Conflict

Summary

Leadership is a journey of constant reflection, self-discovery, and the pursuit of improvement. For me, this journey recently took a turn when I discovered that my perceived strength was in fact my greatest weakness. I believed I was skilled at managing and resolving conflicts, only to realize that my actions merely temporarily patched up disagreements, avoiding rather than addressing the underlying issues. I saw conflict as a threat rather than an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Recognizing this was the first step in a transformative process. As I delved into the roots of my aversion to conflict, I discovered that the fear of discomfort often prompted me to sidestep rather than face the issues. This realization was as alarming as it was enlightening, prompting a radical shift in my approach towards conflict.

While misunderstandings and misinterpretations can indeed deepen conflicts, they also present unique opportunities for learning and growth. As Adam Grant points out, descending the ladder of inference by sharing our observations and assumptions is a critical step towards uncovering the root causes of conflicts.

Moreover, in my journey of leadership, I've begun to appreciate the immense value that can emerge from disagreements, particularly within diverse teams. As suggested by Weiss and Hughes, conflicts brought about by differences in perspectives, competencies, and strategic focuses within an organization can generate immense value from collaboration.

Takeaways

Going forward, I am changing my approach to conflict, adopting a mantra that embodies my new perspective: "This conflict will bring positive results." Rather than avoiding conflicts, I will approach them head-on, seeing them as opportunities to facilitate growth, learning, and the creation of better outcomes.

To further refine my leadership skills, I plan to actively engage in constructive conflict, fostering an environment that not only permits but encourages different perspectives and constructive disagreement. I firmly believe that this willingness to embrace conflict and diversity will help foster more dynamic, effective, and cohesive teams.

Moreover, this journey has underscored the pivotal role of self-awareness in effective leadership. The ability to reflect, learn, and grow from our experiences is arguably the most valuable skill we can develop as leaders. This recognition serves as a constant reminder for me to stay open to learning, to question my assumptions, and to continuously strive to improve and evolve.

In conclusion, my new understanding of conflict represents a crucial turning point in my leadership journey. It has reshaped my perception of conflict from being a threat to a valuable opportunity for learning, growth, and the fostering of collaborative success.