Ask most managers where they spend most of their, so-called, non-productive time, and most will answer: "Dealing with people issues!" Differences and disagreements are a natural part of working together. In a healthy organization, where there are appropriate channels and ways of expressing differences, a certain amount of disagreement - or "conflict" - is energizing and often creative. However, when differences lead to personal confrontation, inappropriate aggression, or intolerably high levels of tension, something must be done to mitigate the tension and redirect the behaviors of those involved. This is the job of the manager, often in partnership with an HR professional.