Our Philosophy

We believe that, in virtually all settings, none of is as smart as all of us. Unfortunately, collaborative processes can be tricky to plan and facilitate internally.

We believe that conflict--in the proper amounts--is essential for teams. Evidence of inadequate conflict can be seen in "groupthink" and lowest common denominator decisions. Conversely, open warfare and failure to communicate are often signs of too much conflict.

We help teams maintain the right level of positive friction so competing ideas can be discussed freely on their own merits. From this, sound group decisions can be made and supported.

Healthy conflict is a desirable outcome of virtually every team interaction. Our role in facilitating successful outcomes comes from keeping teams focused on the 80-85% areas of agreement instead of the 15-20%Ê they don't and wont' ever agree upon. Once established, it becomes possible to develop common solutions.

Often the root of team conflict is a focus on personalities instead of ideas. It's tough to consider alternatives when they come from the "wrong" side of the organization. When a way can be found to disconnect the sender from the message, ideas stand or fall on their own merit and teams can consider a much wider range of possibilities.