, You’ve Mastered Conflict, Now Let’s Elevate It to Collaboration That Actually Pops

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Hi !

Last time, we tackled conflict head-on, slicing through the tension to find the hidden fuel for innovation.

I’ve heard from many of you who dared to lean in instead of duck out, and guess what?

Sparks flew in the best possible way. Now that you’ve harnessed that friction let’s talk about levelling up to collaboration that goes beyond resolving issues but propels you forward.

Because conflict resolution is only the opening act, the real headliner is the synergy you can build once folks get real with each other.

What’s In It For You:

• Mindset Shift: How harnessing conflict isn’t the end; it’s the jumping-off point for next-level teamwork.

• 3 Bold Hacks: Unorthodox strategies to turn “just-fixed” disagreements into unstoppable collaboration.

• Case Study: A pioneering company that used friction to fuel some of its best breakthroughs.

Let’s Talk About Collaboration (Why Conflict Resolution Alone Isn’t Enough)

You ever walk out of a heated meeting, everyone’s calm again, but the energy’s just… neutral? Great, we didn’t explode. 

That’s nice, but it’s not exactly the rocket fuel you need to soar.

Collaboration means using all those unique viewpoints (yes, even the ones that clashed)to find solutions no one person could concoct alone.

If you just stop at “We’re not fighting anymore,” you’re missing the gold that comes from blending diverse perspectives.

Conflict cracks open the door and collaboration walks you through it.

Hacks for the Bold

1. “Cross-Pollination” Sessions
   Right after you settle a disagreement, pair people from opposing views to brainstorm a new idea, something unrelated to the conflict. Sound random? It’s not. They’ve got fresh respect and new insights from clashing. Channel that energy into building something together.

2. The “Handshake” Handoff
   If one team just finished a big project, have them physically (or virtually) “handshake” it over to another team for the next phase. They do a quick wrap-up, highlighting both success and struggles. It’s a symbolic (and practical) way to show how different groups can mesh, even if they had friction.

3. “Shared Wins Board”
   Create a central space (digital or on the office wall) for folks to post quick shout-outs whenever two or more departments/people collaborate effectively. The only rule? They must mention how a past conflict or tension was used to create something better. This visual testament keeps everyone’s eyes on the real prize: synergy born from friction.

Case Study: Pixar’s Braintrust

Pixar is legendary for its “Braintrust” meetings, where directors present rough cuts and get brutally honest feedback from peers.

Sometimes it stings, because these are top-tier creatives slinging candid critiques.

But the aftermath isn’t silence; it’s radical collaboration.

Teams merge ideas, polish storylines, and push each other past comfort zones.

The result? A track record of consistently groundbreaking (and box-office-crushing) animated films.

Key takeaway: The real magic happens after the heated debates, when everyone unites to refine, reinvent, and level up each other’s work.

“Team of Teams” by General Stanley McChrystal

If you’re looking for a blueprint on how diverse, sometimes conflicting units can morph into a cohesive force, “Team of Teams” is your next read.

Drawing from military and corporate insights, McChrystal reveals how decentralised collaboration, born from necessity (and yes, friction), promotes agility and innovation in fast-changing environments.

Quick Note: Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Clarity Call

Settling disputes is good, but building unstoppable synergy is even better.

If you’re ready to elevate your newly-peaceful teams into true collaborative powerhouses, I’m here to help.

Let’s map a strategy that turns your “not fighting” state into a creative think-tank.

Ready to transform calm waters into waves of innovation?

👉 Schedule your complimentary 30-minute clarity call here

Let's Reflect:

1. Does your team breathe a sigh of relief after conflict, then return to business as usual?

2. How can you intentionally funnel that fresh perspective into new projects or solutions?

3. What’s one ongoing project that could benefit from cross-pollinating opposing viewpoints?

Fun Corner

“Random Collab Challenge”

• Every month, draw names from different departments out of a hat (like a Secret Santa).

• Those paired folks must tackle a micro-project or propose a mini-initiative together.

• Deadline: a week. Presentation time: five minutes.

• The twist? If they’ve clashed before, even better.

You’ll be shocked at how small, forced collaborations can spark big revelations, and lighten the mood around past tensions.

A Personal Reflection

I recall a time a heated argument ended with a half-hearted truce.

We left the room without a blow-up, sure, but no sparkle.

Then, someone suggested we actually collaborate on a new idea we’d been tossing around.

The same folks who were butting heads fused their talents like never before.

That side-project soared, and ironically, it taught me that post-conflict synergy is often the golden hour for fresh thinking.

The Final Word

Resolving conflict is a win, but it’s only half the story.

Once you’ve cleared the air, it’s time to capitalise on that sharpened awareness and newly gained respect.

Lean in, build something extraordinary together, and watch how the friction that once threatened to tear you apart morphs into the glue that holds your best ideas together.

Share Your Thoughts

Got a tale where a post-argument collab ended in something epic, or a cautionary note where everything just went back to “meh”?

Hit reply and let me know. Real stories fuel real solutions.

How Else I Can Help

I also offer consulting services based on my senior leadership experience and am available for speaking engagements, including events, keynotes, podcasts, and course recordings.

For further details, contact me here or reply to this email.

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

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