Everyone loves a fully-functioning team that has a common vision, spirit and drive. And that my dear friends, is why I believe that conflict is good.
Team work takes work just like a marriage takes work. My mother passed away a few years ago just one month prior to my parents celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Ten years earlier as they celebrated the 40th anniversary, I ask my father the secret. He said: “Just because you’ve made it to 40, doesn’t mean you’re assured of 41. It takes work.”
The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary folks. Embrace conflict in a positive manner and you will discover that disagreements are usually nothing more than misunderstandings. You’ll discover that conflicting goals of different departments are actually a micro-focus on the broader objective. Develop an environment that allows conflict to breath a little. This will give leadership the pulse it needs to maintain good organizational health.
Sales Training
How does this relate to sales training? In my many years of experience, I’ve seen hundreds of sales professionals spend weeks and months in unproductive states due to unresolved conflict. As sales professionals, we’re fairly predictable. If there is an outstanding issue related to commissions, a request for time-off unapproved, a mid-level manager hiding from his or her duties, or other common sales representative frustration, the issue can be debilitating. Don’t allow that to happen. Keep your sales team focused and motivated by keeping a pulse on the potential for conflict.
Successful selling models are about process and execution. Proven process and crisp execution drive results. Conflict is good and strong leaders know how to make it go away prior to allowing any infection to spread.
