Addressing Conflict Positively — Cognitive vs Affective Conflict
Disagreement Necessary
Disagreement Necessary
Disagreement between participants in any decision-making process is necessary to stimulate inquiry and analysis.
Leader Challenge
Leader Challenge
The challenge for leaders is to:
- Create constructive conflict
- While retaining the teamwork and relationships necessary for future decision events
Cognitive Conflict (Constructive)
Cognitive Conflict = Constructive
In the decision-making process, debate focused on the issues and ideas at hand (cognitive conflict) is constructive.
Affective Conflict (Destructive)
Affective Conflict = Destructive
On the other hand, emotional and personal outbursts (affective conflict) are NOT constructive.
Managing Decision Process
Managing Decision Process
A key aspect of managing the decision process is to:
- Stimulate cognitive conflict to advocate positions and analysis
- Debate concepts, but NOT attacking the person representing them
Leader Ground Rules
Leader Ground Rules
Airmen in leadership positions should:
- Clearly establish ground rules for interaction during deliberations
- Require participants to respect each other's cognitive and analytical styles