This is a guest post from Dr. Keith Starcher, a long-time college professor and business consultant. Most importantly, he is the father of my wife, which makes him a big-deal.
Not all conflict is bad.
In fact, conflict may at times be good for an organization. Conflict gets our attention. Normal and healthy conflict can help a group clarify its goals. It can also be the catalyst for making necessary changes.
Remember also that sometimes what appears on the surface to be the source of conflict is not the true source at all; it is only a symptom of the real problem.
The source is almost always below the surface.