Today is a New Day and with that comes New Ways of Thinking. When people are different to each other, smooth collaboration and teamwork can seem slightly challenging at best, impossible at worst.

On the other hand – if you can look for the opportunity and use the creative tension in those differences, you can start to build a very powerful team; one that is healthy, creative and successful.

There is a very powerful source for learning and innovation that comes into play when different people come together.

Differences can exist in many varieties - cultural, lingual, political, religious, personality, gender, values and/or many others. They are all opportunities.

Differences can be close to conflict

One of the main reasons for this is that when people think they have the 'right' answer to something, they tend to stop listening to other perspectives, knowledge, experience and ideas.

What happens then? We create conflict, where opinions clash.

Conflict is really only a difference of opinion. If we can see any kind of difference as a creative force, an opportunity for learning and better answers, then we can make the most of the different perspectives they bring. This is a quote I often think about when directing my employees to be Open-Minded. John Wooden once said, “when everyone is thinking the same, no one is thinking”. And this could be what is causing you to fail?

People avoid conflict like a bad virus, feeling uncomfortable when things get difficult, fearing that addressing issues will create more issues and may even escalate the conflict - but doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Conflict and tensions between people are very common. Conflict is really only a difference of opinion. This isn’t strange – we all have different opinions, which is technically what conflict is – a difference of opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. Just because we look differently at something doesn’t mean we have to create tensions or full-blown conflicts with others.

Conflicting opinions can be the source of healthy debates, great innovation and needed change, meaning we get even better results. Here is another way to look at it. Think back when you got into an argument where did it lead too? Had you taken a minute to think about what you said would you have said it differently? Often we tend to regret something we said at the time we said it. Had we just took a few seconds to think it out would you have said the same thing?
Teamwork is a better way to a better outcome not only for you, for everyone involved. You can go to my group and see what I wrote to better understand how to avoid it! Go to #MyThoughts Group!

I was able to motivate alot of coworkers on a fairly dailt basis. Was a great place to work. Everyone on staff are all great people. It was a great job but I just wanted to move my children to a smaller city

Telling him don't quit man your a good hand and need this job and who cares what people think you do you and you be the hard worker you are

Your co-workers the residence managers

The Staff treats you like family they invite Subs to different functions I love working for the District I wish I could find a fulltime in the District.

I loved working there just didn't like some co workers opinion. They just start and think they knew more and they knew nothing. I let them do it their way. And then I would have to come behind them and fix it the proper way. Just got tired of it.

Last year at my job something unfortunate and unexpected happened. One of my co workers died. I had been doing part of his job since he was no longer able. A few months after he died, I was told I would be given his postion. I was shown one part of it and given a raise. here it is one year later and I dont feel I am being paid as much as my predessessor nor have i been shown anything else. This position is part time as well. I have been looking for another job, full time this time. I like my boss, hes very understanding. So I have been dragging my feet about leaving. I have training as a patient care tech but no experience, so I wont be hired. I am looking into another field entirely but Im not sure what to look for

I have been at my Company weeks before they open. I was hired as a Supervisor, but after the Managers,And the G.m. resign I stay on doing my best to hold down the company, Well a new G.m came on ,and Hired another manager in my department, then promoted me to Assistant, but promise I will be next in line if things didn't work out for the new manager.Well she was fired and I was next up.. I decided not to take the position because I didn't know how to do certain things, But someone else from another department was given to position.. I am feeling hurt because they are putting all energy into her ,but never put any into me so that I can take the position..Now they're picking and finding all kind of reason to come against me..

Hello Jobcasers - I have a issue with inclusion especially when time and effort has been put into a project and the "team players" ignore or not include your input. This is very discouraging and I am at the point today to quit. When you know your input is needed, and important and someone doesn't include it, its disturbing, I mean really disturbing, so I ask you today, to send me encouragement, I truly need it today.

We all loose ourselves at time and yes I lost my cool with a coworker there and said some things I didnt mean. It can be a stressful job but very rewarding if you can handle fast pace.