The news that Oasis are getting back together made me think about the similarities between the world of rock and that of business. Or in Oasis case the relationship between conflict and successes. In a large complex organisation made up of many departments all of which have lots of teams there is probable at lest one , “Oasis”. A team that seems to thrive on internal conflict and a f*** you attitude. It shouldn’t work but it’s very successful despite some spectacular and public falling outs.

There are lots of case examples of just how destructive a dysfunction team can be. And dysfunctional teams can feature at any level in an organisation. But this does not mean conflict is bad for an organisation. Clearly fist fights and throwing furniture  is not good but the task of managers and HR is not to avoid conflict but manage it. A skilful manager with the support of HR can resolve conflicts and take the tension out of situations.

This is much easier to do if those involved can be helped to focus on the task not the relationship. In this case that would be organising and delivering a series of very profitable reunion shows rather than revisiting family history. Of course there is often an Us verse the rest of the world element to successful teams. In the case of the Gallagher brothers they have been very forthright in what they think of the media, the music industry and fellow artists.

Conflict can improve performance. The cut and thrust can generate new ideas and reveal creative solutions. But when individuals focus on not losing the argument it creates a very negative atmosphere. Conflict management is therefore a very important skill for managers to develop and not something to be left to HR. Some conflicts can arise from spur of the moment issues that escalate  while others may be due to deep rooted and long term unresolved problems.

Conflict management involves tact and diplomacy, keeping the parties talking to each other, exploring options, promoting compromises and finding solutions. No doubt if Oasis can keep it together for the whole reunion tour they won’t look back in anger.