Let’s face it—most meetings are about as exciting as watching paint dry. But what if your meetings were more like blockbuster movies? Think high-stakes drama, passionate debates, and plot twists that keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Intrigued? Good, because we’re about to explore why conflict is the secret ingredient to meetings that actually matter.
In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni tells the story of a struggling executive team grappling with accountability, trust, and—yes—conflict. One of the big lessons? Teams avoid conflict because it feels uncomfortable, but doing so robs them of real engagement and shared commitment. Without healthy conflict, meetings become boring rubber-stamp sessions where no one feels heard or invested.
Imagine your favorite movie. Is it interesting because everyone agrees all the time? Of course not! The tension and differing viewpoints drive the story forward. Similarly, in your meetings, conflict brings clarity, forces people to think deeply, and sparks alignment. When handled correctly, it transforms passive participants into passionate collaborators.
Here’s how to make your meetings movie-worthy:
1. Set the Stage for Conflict
Create an environment where team members feel safe to disagree. Lencioni emphasizes the importance of trust as the foundation. Without it, conflict turns toxic. Start by encouraging people to challenge ideas, not individuals.
2. Bring the Drama
Great movies start with a compelling hook—your meetings should, too. Pose big, provocative questions like, “What if we’re completely wrong about this strategy?” or “How could this decision backfire?” Stirring the pot doesn’t mean creating chaos; it’s about making the stakes feel real.
3. Resolve with Purpose
In movies, conflict leads to resolution and growth. The same goes for meetings. Once ideas are debated, the team is more likely to rally around the final decision, even if they initially disagreed. This shared commitment drives alignment and ensures everyone leaves the room invested in the outcome.
Conflict isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. It’s the popcorn that makes your meeting a blockbuster instead of a flop. So, the next time you gather your team, don’t aim for harmony. Aim for healthy, constructive conflict that drives better decisions, deeper buy-in, and real alignment.
Who knows? Your meetings might just become the highlight of everyone’s week. And that’s a show worth watching.