Effectiveness in a group is directly related to its tolerance for conflict.

To the extent that any group can bring its own conflicts into the open and resolve issues efficiently, that group will increase its freedom and power. To the extent that conflict is avoided or unresolved, the group will find itself restricted and ineffective. Conflict is a symptom of differences. When viewed this way, conflict can be an opportunity for creativity and change. It is critical that groups are able to see and learn from the differences of individual members. Only then can an organization learn from its own behavior. The leader’s task is to effectively model the tolerance for conflict and the attitude of non-defensiveness.