In the Journal of Experimental Psychology, Laurie R. Weingart and her colleagues published the results of a study that showed that conflict within a team working on a project can actually enhance performance. Here's the summary:
Teams of students from the disciplines of engineering, design and MBA programs were asked to collaborate on a product. The teams in which the participants had significant disagreements took longer to get going, but ultimately their outcomes were judged to be more creative or inspired than those of the teams on which the members all agreed right away. It seems that when thinking is challenged, better solutions appear.
The study also noted that for this result to take place the teams have to take everybody's viewpoint into account rather than just deferring to the most assertive member.
The lesson for individuals might include being sure that if you ask for feedback, don't go to people who you already know will agree with you. Seek out those who bring different viewpoints to the process and strengthen the work by taking their ideas on board.
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