How I handle conflicts in my team
Using lessons from the Spanish Empire
Do you manage or lead an international team?
If not, you probably soon will be, as the world becomes more intertwined and technology increasingly connects us around the globe.
Certainly international business and leading cross-cultural teams are exciting but they are also a bit daunting. How do you keep everything working smoothly, across different time zones, different belief systems and work cultures?
Well, have you ever wondered how the Spanish Empire, that colossal creation spanning centuries, managed to stay intact and operational in an era devoid of modern communication and management theories?
Picture a diverse group of people scattered globally, from the king down to the lowest-ranking conquistador, and then imagine the potential clashes of personalities and conflicting interests that must have taken place, time and again. How was this vast enterprise effectively managed?
Surprisingly, a late medieval Spanish law played a pivotal role in maintaining order within this expansive empire, and its relevance extends to today’s business landscape and will help you in your international leadership role.
