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At the executive level, decisions move faster, stakes are higher, and personalities are often stronger. When conflict arises, as it inevitably does, it can either fracture alignment or fuel performance.

In our recent webinar on Navigating Conflict With Grace, Dr. Lindy Greer offered a compelling insight:

“Conflict isn’t something to avoid, it’s a core ingredient of executive team excellence.”

A professor of management and faculty director for leadership development at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Dr. Greer is a leading researcher in team dynamics and leadership conflict.

She’s advised powerhouse organisations like Amazon, Google, and the NFL, and her work is rooted in academic rigour and real-world impact.

Her perspective on conflict is unique: she doesn’t just study it, she equips leaders to thrive within it.

Why Executive Conflict Is Inevitable (and Necessary)

The higher you climb in an organisation, the more complex the decisions, and the more potential for differing opinions.

“Conflict is simply the expression of difference. If an executive team isn’t having conflict, it probably means they’re not addressing the real challenges, or they don’t feel safe enough to disagree.”

Instead of trying to eliminate conflict, Dr. Greer encourages leaders to normalise it, structure it, and channel it.

Why Executive Conflict Is Inevitable (and Necessary)

The higher you climb in an organisation, the more complex the decisions, and the more potential for differing opinions.

“Conflict is simply the expression of difference. If an executive team isn’t having conflict, it probably means they’re not

 addressing the real challenges, or they don’t feel safe enough to disagree.”

Instead of trying to eliminate conflict, Dr. Greer encourages leaders to normalise it, structure it, and channel it.