Why Having Conflict in Workplace Could Mean a Good Thing

We are talking about professionally showing your view, but not losing your temper

When I was an intern, I never say no. I never disagree with people. And I took orders whenever they asked me to do. Deep in my heart, I had the very traditional perception that being the youngest person in the team means we need to nod, smile, and obey regardless.

The first time I cried for work was because I made a mistake, then a manager humiliated me. She criticized me personally, using the term “stupid,” “brainless,” and “total failure.” It felt horrible. However, despite how harsh she was, I did not feel angry at all with the attacks. I stood there like a stone, telling myself to endure because she was more senior than me.

Many years later, I notice that team conflicts happen at work from time to time, especially in a topic that I am passionate about. My fury drives me to speak up, make my point, and convince others to try out the other way.

After reflection, I can’t help worrying that it would lead to conflict in the workplace, thus harming the team’s harmony. So I raised the question to my mentor. Surprisingly, she told me that disputes in the workplace could do more good than harm since it indicates that the environment is so safe for us to be who we are and fight for the things we care about.

I remember the time when I used to feel indifferent to the work I did. Arrived office at 9, then left at 6 — there was no need to disagree because I only took orders then delivered. Hardly did I feel excited about my work, not to mention feeling angry about it.

In my day-to-day work now, my colleagues and I always have different views on executing a project. However, I no longer keep silent but to stand up and strike for the point I’d like to make. My heartbeat rises. Face turns red. Yet, I feel alive as I am advocating my point about the topics I am passionate about. The discussion might get intense sometimes, but and the end, we always arrive at a better place with ideas to make the project better.

I hardly remember I had such moments when I first joined the job market. The…

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