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“A great team is one on which everyone agrees, and there is never any conflict.”

This is not a statement you will likely hear, though many leaders wish it were true and perhaps (in denial) act as if it were.

But here’s the point. Every person is different, with diverse backgrounds, strengths, skills, experience, and viewpoints. This is what creates a great team. It is also what creates inevitable conflict at times.

And here is something else you don’t usually hear: “That’s okay.”

In fact, conflict is healthy if it is channeled toward addressing issues that improve the business.

Here is an example.

Quality Control says, “Slow down the process, and get it done perfectly.”

A driven leader may say, “No, we must ship the product in order to stay viable.”

This is a conflict.

Which is correct?

To a degree, both.

You must have a level of quality before you ship, or it will prove costly and perhaps even detrimental to the company. But you must also be able to ship at “good enough” when money is on the line.

The resolution of these two conflicts, channeled correctly, sets companies in a healthy place of shipping good products while also improving them for the future. Both perspectives are essential to business.

Ignore either one at your peril.

How do you use conflict as a tool in your business?

As you can see, conflict is a good thing in business. It means a team is comfortable enough to express themselves openly and honestly in order to support the business. But leading through conflict takes a great deal of skill. This article provides some great tips. (Click here.)

Click here to learn more about John’s new book, Change Your World, and to take his new Values Assessment, which helps you identify what you value most.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.