As I read Chet’s blog, Surprised, my only wish is that our clients could have been a long for the journey and seen first hand the conflict, the challenges and the wrestling that took place to get too that simple word change.
Larry had some different ideas than Chet and Larry was not about to back away from his strong convictions and beliefs that….Passion is the heart of the matter……Vision is the life direction that will enable you to fulfill your passion…..Vision sets the compass for your passion. I can remember Chet really pushing back on Larry and just not seeing the nuances of Larry’s words and challenging Larry to get greater clarity. Larry as we like to say, had “Shoot in His Eyes”and at every step of the way Larry came back again and again, until we all understood the importance of what he was trying to communicate, PVPP.
I can remember several times getting frustrated and thinking…… is this really that important Larry…..come on, lets move on……now looking back I can see how much better we are as team for having those tough conversations. Great teams know how to have healthy robust conflict. They don’t shy away from conflict, it’s their friend.
Is your team living the lie of False Harmony?
Is conflict a problem to be avoided at all cost or an opportunity for a conversation?
Are you as a leader mining for conflict?
Are you being clear, concise and direct with your team…..being a real truthteller?
BUILT TO LEAD 
Great point and great AND Peters. AND, look at how much stronger we are NOW. Very cool what “real” conflict, real struggle, and real engagement builds. Growing old, but not tired, together.
Very cool…
Pete, very important thoughts! Having been on teams that ceaselessly argued but never fought, and others that secretly fought but never argued, I can wholeheartedly say the former beats the latter every time. Conflict is inevitable whenever two or more are gathered. It’s human to see things differently. That’s not the big issue. You put your finger on it–conflict is going to be there no matter what. The leader can either bring it out in the open and let the messy process lead to learning and better performance, or the “leader” can wimp out in favor of false harmony, bury conflict, and have it do its damage “under the covers.” No learning, worse performance. Keep on Bloggin’ baby!