I remember working with one of my clients during a brainstorming session about the qualities of a good team. By the way, what is a good team? Today, I might be tempted to reframe the question: What are the qualities of a healthy team? Nonetheless, we made a long list of noble qualities like trust, communication, and collaboration. Then one of our participants added, “A good team knows how to navigate conflict.”
Silence followed.
Possibly, the biggest experiential goal for that team was achieved in that very moment: they were reminded that conflict exists. Conflict is a thing. It’s common, and every team will face it. The real responsibility of individuals, groups, and leaders is to develop the skills to navigate it.
Today, as a Gallup Strengths Coach, I would point to research showing that strong teams are not destroyed by conflict. In fact, the ability to address and work through conflict is a hallmark of resilience and strength. So, what does clarity have to do with any of this?
Name It to Tame It
Neuroscientist Dr. Dan Siegel emphasizes that to gain control over a challenge or problem, we first need to name it. His strategy, known as “name it to tame it,” is a cornerstone of emotional regulation and problem-solving.
As leaders or facilitators, mastering the art of pausing, observing team dynamics, and naming what we see is essential. It helps people articulate their values and identify what truly matters in a given situation.
In that client workshop, my colleague named something vital for the team’s growth: the reality of conflict. The silence that followed was profound. It signaled a collective moment of realization, a reckoning, if you will. They understood that navigating conflict wasn’t just a skill to acquire; it was an essential part of their development as a team.
Clarity as Kindness
Being clear is being kind. When we are clear, we cut through ambiguity, reduce misunderstandings, and provide a foundation for addressing challenges constructively. Naming conflict doesn’t create it; it acknowledges what’s already there and opens the door to resolution.
Hi, I’m Monika, Strengths Coach, facilitator, social-profit organization leader, and photographer. I’m here to help you own your vision for meaningful growth and transformation, uncover your unique leadership strengths, and empower you and your team to thrive and create lasting impact. Passionate about driving change within, around, and beyond, I love supporting fellow change-makers on their journeys.
I hope you’ll visit often, and I look forward to connecting and working together!
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