I agree with your challenge to avoid dysfunctional politeness.  That's a great term.  I've worked places where this was a problem.  I've also worked in places where the conflict was dysfunctional. People need to remember to separate business from personal. We each want the company to succeed.  When  we put our own agenda ahead of the possibility that someone else may have a better idea, then even the conflict is dysfunctional. The dysfunction can be active or passive. This is a great reminder to check the absence of conflict and make sure it's a sign of enthusiastic agreement.

Thanks for the great post. Mike...