Abstract

Disagreements and difficult choices in decision making are not going to disappear from the fabric of our work and personal lives. But with some structure and intentional choices to make discussions and decisions revolve around data, while honoring different priorities of the criteria considered, there are opportunities to reach consensus and concentrate on making the right choice. Conflict—when focused on the best interests of the business—can elevate performance, author Patrick Lencioni wrote. The key is to handle disagreements in a way that recognizes how individuals prioritized the criteria and allows all participants to be included and heard. With patience and due process, there are strategies that can help people with different perspectives reach a mutually acceptable and ideal choice.