I recently returned from a vacation with my family, one that involved a number of big, fun activities. Interestingly, when I look back at the trip it strikes me that the best part of it, especially in terms of the lasting benefits to our family, happened during the times "in-between" those activities.

For instance, we loved the evenings when we were just hanging out together in the condo where we stayed. And the simple, informal meals we made when we weren't going out for dinner were the best ones of all. Even the long car ride from the airport at the end of our trip prompted a great discussion that we won't forget anytime soon. It was during those "in-between" times when we had the best talks and grew as individuals and as a family.

What do you assume about a couple that is constantly fighting? That their relationship is going down the drain, right? And if we transfer this sort of argumentative relationship to the environment of a company that has a lot of heated discussions and disagreements…would you consider this organization to be healthy? Despite what we would assume, conflict is actually a lot healthier than what you would first imagine.