Conflict typically takes place when debating solutions but is often rooted in solving different problems. This is one of the most subtle barriers to problem solving because we get so caught up in the solutions themselves that we don’t check if we’re aligned on the actual problem.

By design, we should lead teams with people that bring different perspectives as diversity of thought helps drive innovation. However, if you can’t resolve the different points of view and converge on a solution, you’ll burn time and energy in an endless swirl.

The enabling principle Conflict is Rooted in Solving Different Problems helps to remind us that sometimes we need to take a step back when we experience solution paralysis. Rather than continuing to spin endlessly in debate, you should help re-center the team and make sure everyone has a consistent understanding of the problem you’re trying to solve and the assumptions and constraints you’re each working with. In doing this, you can then converge on a solution.

Listen to the discussions, the debates, the arguments you and your team get involved in. Do you think you all have the same understanding of the problem you’re trying to solve? Do you ever ask people to discuss their assumptions? If not, think about how you can get everyone back to common ground and reset the conversation.