Conflict is inevitable in any organization, especially when different functions or departments work together. After experiencing a cross-functional conflict that challenges individual or group values, it’s imperative to conduct an inclusive debrief to “take out the trash” – the hurt feelings and ill will that, inevitably, are created by the conflict. The most effective way to “take out the trash”, and significantly reduce the opportunity for similar conflicts in the future, is to have a third-party mediator facilitate conversations to review the reasons for the conflict and help the parties to be open minded to the ethical boundaries of others and understand how to better collaborate in a fashion that respects everyone’s values.
