The Art of Constructive Confrontation

There is a seemingly endless supply of new and overhyped methodologies for helping businesses get things done. But none of those methodologies address one of the most fundamental problems in business today: our fear of face-to-face confrontation. The Art of Constructive Confrontation shows why confrontation isn't something we should fear at all, but is instead something we should embrace and use to our advantage. Constructive confrontation can be the difference between people just doing things and people getting things done. Often, when we think of confrontation, we think of conflict and anger. But constructive confrontation isn't conflict; it's a structured, systematic approach to decreasing conflict and increasing accountability in the workplace. Unlike other business improvement methodologies, it doesn't cost you money and you can implement it today. Constructive confrontation works because it's simple. In The Art of Constructive Confrontation, authors John Hoover and Roger DiSilvestro present their straightforward, common sense system in three easy steps. First, any project undertaken must be treated like a promise, or covenant, between each team member and his or her team leaders. This covenant includes well-articulated and precise expectations so that each person knows what to do and when to do it. Second, planned follow-up meetings-or confrontations-must be scheduled and consistently conducted to ensure that everyone makes progress as expected and gets past surprise roadblocks. Finally, satisfactory completion of all goals must be celebrated and rewarded as a foundation for the next task or project. Continuous accountability is a simple concept, but can quickly get lost in the pressurized world of business, where good plans fall apart as work overflows and day-to-day crises take precedence. Constructive confrontation prevents this by keeping projects on schedule through a step-based, systematic approach. Goals are well articulated and documented, and confrontation is planned. Next, all parties to the constructive confrontation covenant are required to confront each other regularly in a spirit not of fear, but of dedication and commitment to a common goal. Finally, celebration and rewards reinforce each individual's importance, builds departmental and organizational character, and keeps everyone focused on the finish line. As team members and team leaders journey through the cycle from start to finish, constructive confrontation provides ample opportunity for course correction and adaptation to new realities. Not only is it simple and effective, it's flexible and adaptive-and it works for any business in any industry. For anyone assigned to a task or project, as well as the leaders responsible for seeing that the work gets done-and gets done right and on time-The Art of Constructive Confrontation is the most powerful tool available to increase accountability and decrease conflict.