Lean Quote: Why Conflict is Necessary for Leadership

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Without conflict there is no leadership."  — Michael W. Kublin

That statement highlights the crucial role of conflict in effective leadership. While conflict can be uncomfortable, it's often a catalyst for growth, innovation, and the development of strong leadership skills.

Teams who focus too much on keeping things agreeable and harmonic don’t let themselves explore innovative or disruptive thoughts. This sort of ‘group-think’ can alienate the team members who tend to think differently and outside the box. Yet some of the greatest ideas the world has ever seen have come from these sorts of people.

Too much conflict and people become frustrated, demotivated, and just want to avoid the problem. But a little bit of conflict can work wonders. When handled effectively, conflict also:

Challenging the Status Quo:

Without conflict, there's a risk of stagnation and complacency. The best ideas are born of diverse thinking, taking different cultures, experiences and skillsets into account.

Driving Change and Innovation:

Conflict can spark creativity and innovation. When different viewpoints collide, it can lead to new ideas, strategies, and solutions that otherwise wouldn't emerge.

Building Resilience and Adaptability:

Leaders who navigate conflict effectively learn to adapt to change and overcome challenges, fostering a sense of resilience within themselves and their teams.

Improving Decision-Making:

Conflict can lead to more informed and well-rounded decisions. By considering diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions, leaders can make better choices.

Strengthening Relationships:

When conflict is managed constructively, it can actually strengthen relationships and build trust.

Leaders who embrace conflict encourage diverse perspectives and challenge existing norms, leading to better solutions and improvements. Debate means that teams explore all areas and it helps to create an environment that fosters innovation, creative disruption and collaboration. It’s how organizations can gain a competitive edge.