"Dysfunction #2: Conflict

It is important to distinguish productive ideological conflict from destructive fighting and interpersonal politics. Ideological conflict is limited to concepts and ideas, and avoids personality-focused, mean-spirited attacks. However, it can have many of the same external qualities of interpersonal conflict - pasion, emotion, and frustration - so much so that an outside observer might easily mistake it for unproductive discord."

Patrick is an executive coach and consultant.