Just "telling" people to handle conflict, however, is hardly productive. The truth is, people have different levels of tolerance to conflict. Reasons for fear of conflict include:
Cultural differences - some cultures value harmony and interpret conflict as dangerous.
- Personality differences - some individuals may be more easily stressed, less resilient, and/or more focused on meeting others' needs.
Leaders, therefore, must help followers manage confilct productively.
It's True! Heifetz et al. recommend that leaders "regulate the heat" of the conflict. Leaders should pay close attention to signs that the conflict is too powerful or uncomfortable for certain group members.
|