Question

10. Take a look at the variables of group communication: conflict, conformity, and consensus. Is there such a thing as healthy conflict? When is conflict in a team good, and how should a team avoid personal conflict?

Answer 1

• Conflict is not bad. In fact, it can lead to creativity and innovation. If a team always agreed on everything, they’d be satisfied with the first answer to the problem instead of working, arguing and debating to figure out the best answer.
• The way to keep conflict constructive (instead of destructive) is to make sure the team manages itself and manages the process.  Team members must understand that although they do not have to like each other, they need to respect each other, work together and be professional.   In addition, team members need the skills to communicate and to manage conflict within the group—before they are even assembled into a team.
• A healthy conflict happens when team members have an open mindedness and they understand individual differences in opinions.Conflict is healthy when it's aim is to improve the outcomes for the team. It's healthy when it's respectful and not personal. It's healthy when it's out in the open, visible to all members of the team and available equally so everyone can safely participate.
  
• To avoid unhealthy and personal conflicts its important that team members keep their egos aside and  avoid becoming defensive in order for conflict to be healthy.
• Team members need to understand the diverse points of view and embrace it to avoid any personal conflicts.