This is very healthy; it’s exactly why you should create the kind of environment we’ve been taking about. But once that conflict arises, it has to be resolved, alternatives have to be selected, and a path must be chosen.

It is the leader’s responsibility to facilitate this process and to garner support for the ultimate decision. This will require artful negotiation. It’s not that some “win” and some “lose” in the conflict resolution; it’s always that the organization wins because the best people used the right process. An effective leader will be able to ensure that everyone participates in the future, regardless of the outcome of conflict resolutions in the past.

You think about it: Do you have the necessary negotiating skills to build consensus in your organization?