Comments on: When Creative Conflict is A Good Thing

By: Miguel

Miguel — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:13:42 +0000

Conflict is a good thing if handled well. Put a writer, programmer and designer in a room, and get them to debate. A writer can learn from the designer, and vise versa. Great article!

By: Calgary

Calgary — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:14:21 +0000

Usually when we take on a new client, we usually meet with them a few times to determine whether its a good match… eHarmony for business I suppose :-) Regardless of the contract amount, if its not a good fit it always seems to not be an exciting project. I think I’m just old school… you can either just ‘work’ for a living or ‘enjoy’ your work :-)

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:51:57 +0000

Great post, I like the heading of Conflict Resolution Network website ‘Background – Conflict is the stuff of life’ so true!, definitely if you have an open attitude and can learn from conflict, the good and the bad, it will help when the inevitable next confrontation comes along :-)

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 01:02:04 +0000

Great article! Im not using it for creative differences with a client though :) Me from a user experience background, my manager from an IT background, both working on an ecommerce site and our opinions on site direction are never the same and he just does not concede a point at all. “How to part ways amicably” will be used when I do find a new role in the coming weeks ;)

By: Gregor McKelvie

Gregor McKelvie — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:13:17 +0000

I think a lot of it comes down to respect. Many people, colleagues, managers, etc. don’t respect the opinion of others or fail to see that the person on the other side of the argument is indeed a unique person with their own experiences, thoughts, insights and opinions.

If people listened more, I think it would be easier to empathise with and respect others.

By: Tixy

Tixy — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:41:28 +0000

I hate conflicts and many time use “Just say no” option :( … Well, it seems I need to work more on my selfconfidence…

By: Bryan McAnulty

Bryan McAnulty — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:10:53 +0000

Conflict within teams allows for more innovation by challenging each other and building ideas. Looking at every option drives innovation where sticking with one set path or compromising creates a bland and stagnant result. I completely agree that it is important to have a “discovery” related attitude rather than that of a perfectionist.

I have dealt with each of these types of conflict behavior when it comes to clients. My suggestion is to make sure you do your best to recognize which type of behavior you are dealing with when a conflict arises, and look at things from the client’s point of view in order to come to a resolution.

By: OfficeCavalry

OfficeCavalry — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:58:40 +0000

Creative conflict is a good thing, I would rather have two people fighting over two good ideas, than two people struggling to think of just one good idea.

Great Post!

By: Rick Sloboda

Rick Sloboda — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:24:49 +0000

@Catalina Indeed, outlining the scope of work and expectations is key to setting a foundation.

In terms of conflict being damaging, I believe a lot of it depends on attitude and approach. For instance, our copywriters met with an agency last week, and I felt the sitemap they created for the client was flawed. So I told the project manager, “I have some thoughts on the sitemap, if you don’t mind.” He opened the door to discussion, I respectfully challenged them, and changes were made.

I think if you’re tactful, and demonstrate you have the project’s best interest at heart, most people are open to a healthy, productive debate.

When egos get in the way, then you have a problem.

By: Boxie Designer

Boxie Designer — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:55:08 +0000

I actually agree with this article, thanks for posting!