You don’t participate in problem-solving because you don’t like conflict.

Some people are born “scrappers”. They like mixing it up and debating the merits of an idea. Others prefer to avoid conflict. They like peace and harmony in their relationships. That can make things difficult for them when people begin debating the merits of ideas when making improvements.

Problem

You don’t participate in problem solving because you don’t like conflict.

How this affects you

Employees are vested in the outcomes of projects, so conflict tends to happen. And, if you are the type of person that doesn’t like to argue, this can be a challenge.

One reason some people steer clear of conflict is the concern it will damage relationships if they disagree with friends or coworkers. As a result, they simply avoid participating in the continuous improvement process altogether, or they participate but avoid voicing dissenting opinions. In either case, they lose their say in the solution.

If this scenario applies to you, you’ll end up getting stuck trying the idea of whoever can talk the loudest. Without a voice in the process, change is hard to tolerate, and it increases the likelihood that you will not find satisfaction at work.

Action to Take

Try to find an ally that can stand in for you in discussions. Feed that person your ideas, and then let her be the one out in front. Another option is to talk to the person you disagree with in private. This can make the conversation less stressful, since it is not being observed by the whole project team. Finally, give the team leader an anonymous note with your comments or ideas.

Why this works

The Why this Works section is only available in print copies of Whaddaya Mean I Gotta Be Lean?