Why Effective Teams Still Fight — And Why That’s a Good Thing

Contrary to popular belief, conflict is not always a red flag. In fact, healthy conflict is essential for teams and relationships to grow. It is through conflict that trust is developed and strengthened, ideas are refined, and a culture of inclusion is not just talked about but observed. In mission-driven organizations such as hospitals, universities, and nonprofits, collaboration is often held up as the ultimate ideal. As a result, many people in such industries champion teamwork, preach harmony, and reward cohesion, but to what price? If we value harmony over friction or view conflict as a sign of failure, we risk creating environments where people’s voices are silenced, ideas withheld, and innovation stifled.