In business, clarity is power. But so is complexity.
As your company grows, so does the diversity of thought within your team. You’ll encounter more conflicting ideas, not fewer. And that’s not a sign of dysfunction. It’s a sign you’re leading at a higher level.
The real question isn’t: “How do I avoid conflict?”
It’s: “How do I navigate opposing concepts to create better decisions?”
So, in today’s blog post, we’ll explore the art (and science) of integrating contradictory viewpoints and why it’s one of the most underrated leadership skills today.
Why Conflicting Ideas Are a Good Sign
As your business scales, you’ll outgrow black-and-white answers. What once felt simple now has nuance, tension, and trade-offs.
Maybe your marketing head says, “We should double down on our niche,” while your COO insists, “It’s time to expand to new markets.”
Maybe your gut says, “Raise prices,” while your heart worries, “But what about our loyal clients?”
These conflicting ideas are evidence that you’re thinking big and that your team isn’t just following orders. They’re contributing, challenging, and growing.
“Opposing ideas mean you have thinkers on your team, not just followers.” – More Than Just Task Management Podcast
The Power of Holographic Thinking
When facing a decision, don’t default to “what do the numbers say.”
Yes, it’s hard because we are conditioned to think logically. We were taught to always use our mind and ignore emotions or gut feelings.
Yet, emotions and intuition are so powerful.
That’s why it’s time to apply the Holographic Leadership Framework, which considers decisions through three lenses:
- Logic: What do the numbers say? What are the facts, projections, and models?
- Emotion: How will each option impact people emotionally your team, your clients, your stakeholders? How do you feel about these options?
- Intuition: What’s your gut telling you? What feels aligned before the data can explain it?
This three-dimensional view of a decision allows you to move beyond compromise and toward integration.
“Most decisions aren’t about picking sides. They’re about crafting a smarter third option.”
Real-World Example: Raising Prices
Let’s say you’re debating a price increase. You’ve got two ideas on the table:
- Idea A: Raise prices to protect margins.
- Idea B: Keep prices steady to preserve client trust.
Instead of choosing one, you integrate:
Raise prices, and introduce a lighter offer or value add to justify the increase.
This is the essence of integrative thinking, not compromise, but innovation.
Framework: How to Navigate Conflicting Ideas
When two good ideas are pulling you in different directions, you are often tempted to go in the direction of “either/or.”
We can either choose A or B.
However, the most successful business leaders have masterd the skill to think in “and”.
Hve the cake and eat it too.
Here’s how you can lead through conflicting ideas as well:
1. Acknowledge both options.
Each idea is valid, or you wouldn’t be considering it. Respect both.
Also, each idea has pros and cons. Note these.
2. Zoom out.
Ask: What is the higher goal or shared value these ideas are pointing to?
Remembering the big picture allows you to see past the dimension in which the ideas are opposite and come up with a solution that integrates both in a way that creates a superb solution.
3. Integrate.
Ask: How can we create a solution that honors both perspectives?
Often, this means taking the best components of each to build something better than either.
4. Test and refine.
Don’t overthink. Experiment. Solutions can evolve and should change with time.
Being a business owner is like being a scientist. Yes, your intuition and the data might support a specific solution, but you never know until you test it in the real world.
Bonus Tip: Replace “but” with “and.” It opens the door to possibility instead of shutting it down.
Case Study: Beta Launch vs. Brand Reputation
In one story shared on the podcast, a company was torn between launching a beta quickly or waiting for perfection.
The solution?
Launch a limited-access, high-touch beta with complete transparency, while simultaneously developing the polished version. They gained momentum and maintained their standards.
This is what it means to lead through conflict: use tension as fuel for innovation.
Conflicting Ideas Aren’t a Threat
If you want to grow a scalable, resilient business, you must master the art of holding multiple truths at once.
Great leaders don’t avoid conflict. They harness it.
They don’t choose sides. They create better solutions.
They don’t silence opposition. They integrate it.
Your Turn
Where in your business are you sitting on conflicting ideas?
- Structure vs. flexibility
- Automation vs. hiring
- Niche focus vs. expansion
- Perfection vs. speed
This week, apply the framework. See what new options emerge.
And remember: you don’t have to navigate it alone.
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