Conflict
I noticed there was some confusion in class on Thursday about conflict and how it could affect a team. Conflict simply means a difference of opinions, but it often does take on a negative connotation. I think one problem a few people in class had was that they saw conflict in a negative light. However, according to the article we read, fear of conflict is worse than conflict itself. It's very beneficial for the group to encounter and encourage healthy conflict. That is why the groups were made the way they were. Our professors knew that we'd have differences of opinions on certain things, and that was the whole point.
Buidling off the article, lack of trust brings fear of conflict. You may not trust your team members to objectively listen to your opinions. If we don't listen to others' opinions or disagree with one another, one person will ultimately take over the group and make all the decisions him/herself. So conflict, in these situations is a necessary element needed to produce quality results/solutions/etc.
Comments
Posted by: Megan Kinney
Posted on: October 9, 2005 08:32 PM
I do not think I was being that "rude" by the time you are 20 years old you should be able to figure out how to work in groups. We waste time in that class everyday. I really don't feel like I am getting my money's worth and that makes me VERY angry. I was not "bashing" the class I was merely stating my opinion that that particular day was a waste of my time and almost everyone elses. And I could be wrong but these blogs are to make us able to express our opinions about the class, and that is my opinion. Like it or not I think we waste way too much time.
Posted by: Alison Glew
Posted on: October 9, 2005 08:40 PM
I agree that part of the point of the blogging assignment is to express our opinions, but we're supposed to be commenting constructively. Simply saying that we spend too much time discussing common sense topics and that we're wasting our time isn't constructive.
All I was saying that I believe some of the discussion was necessary because there was obvioulsy some confusion for some of the other students and that your comment wasn't using constructive criticism.
You can disagree with me, just like I disagree with you, about the class on Thursday, but maybe just offer some constructive criticism the next time there's something you think should be changed.
Posted by: Erin Christmas
Posted on: October 9, 2005 09:02 PM
The two previous comments are the best entries I have read thus far for this class. This is good conflict people! However, I am sensing some tension, which is not what we want. Think of our class like an organization and everytime we meet as company meetings. OF COURSE, some people are going to find certain meetings a waste of time. They would rather be out, being constructive, selling stuff or doing whatever their real job is. While others love to hear other people talk and feel like they are learning and accomplishing something. These different points of view lead to conflict, which is good as we have learned.
Perhaps by someone speaking up and saying they are frustrated it will make the company operate more efficiently. Also, by someone saying that these meetings are beneficial in some way, the other person can appreciate the value of discussion. Either way, neither person should take it personally. We are all just trying to do our job (pass this class and graduate). But please, keep the conflict flowing!