When working on a group project with others, do you go out of your way to avoid conflict? Too many of us believe that being conflict-averse is a good thing. We seek to be in the company of others who agree with us and like our ideas. Similarly, when in the presence of these like-minded people, we all too eagerly express our liking for and agreement for their ideas. If given the option, we find that we want our own company, that is, we desire to work with those whom we believe to be most like ourselves. We find it comfortable. Comfortableness, however, should give us a sinking feeling, much like "sinking into a soft and cushiony sofa--it can lead to inertia--and make it difficult for us to get up and get going. In reality, it is member differences, not their similarities, that make project teams work. It is what drives them forward.
Each of us brings something special--something unique--to the teams we are on; it is our different strengths and insights that our teams need to achieve their goals. Expressing different points of view, being direct in disagreeing and honest in assessing alternative courses of action, being willing to call out the elephant in the room rather than pretending it does not exist, that keep a team from drifting into dysfunction. Simply put: When we all think alike, we're likely not doing enough thinking. Dare to think different! Not everyone may like it, but they will like the results that your challenge fosters.
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