Great Teams Need Conflict
This article was first published in LinkedIn on
There is a link between great buildings and great teams. Building a great team is critical to the success of a project. By the nature of the construction industry, we frequently end up with several teams from the various entities desperately trying to work with each other for the good of the project. The ‘good of the project’ unfortunately can frequently disappear as friction between the teams increases during the life of the project. Self-interest and in some case self-preservation drive behaviours that do not work towards the project goals.
Project leaders need to tackle the friction generated by their teams. Addressing this conflict requires empathy. The successful project manager will understand and share the feelings of players within the team while guiding them towards the project goals.
❝ For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate ❞ Margaret Heffernan
Should we have conflict within teams? I believe it is essential. For example, the critical debate of the main decisions leads to good building design or construction methodology. There is a constant need for the team to be challenged as the design is developed. During the construction phase, we need the disruptive thinker to offer alternative construction methods. Teams need to maintain debate throughout the life of the project, to argue and examine decisions to drive the best results. Jim Collins in his book Good to Great identified this constant internal discussion, and disruptive behaviour as one of the key drivers in great companies. Similarly, this managed conflict is essential in the delivery of great projects.
❝ I love argument, I love debate. I don’t expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that’s not their job ❞ Margaret Thatcher
We need conflict where the individuals forming the project team are encouraged to challenge the group thinking and drive better project decisions. Managing this debate requires open communication, treating everyone as equals and team players able to listen to and understand other points of view. Concluding these discussions requires leadership. Great teams embrace this conflict for the good of the project.
Neil
