They absorb the strengths and weaknesses of the others and offer back equilibrium and stability. But the sorting and sifting required to do this well take time. As a result, they tend to be dismissed as passive or indecisive, too cautious to act quickly in a crisis. The truth is, LLL could not survive without them. Each needs to be willing to create, through honesty and empathy, an atmosphere where differences can be resolved integrate into its own agenda the needs and desires of the other two as much as possible and discuss concerns and explore available options from a variety of viewpoints.
Human nature being what it is, conflict is inevitable.
But it's not always bad. Conflict can lead to growth not likely to happen any other way. The spirit of submission to the whole and measure of accountability each group brings to this process means the difference between success and failure. A Leader from out of town appeared at my office door and introduced herself. As she shook it, her smile faded.