Every day at work, conflict resolution can disrupt the momentum of a team or a leader, and it can become a toxic environment for the entire organization. Leaders can allow conflict to fester instead of addressing it head-on, leading to a situation where the whole organization is affected. Managing conflict can be challenging due to the complexity of the situation and the ecosystem in which the conflict operates.
The endless agendas of the workplace can make it hard to know which issues will be affected by your conflict. When resolving disputes, it is vital to consider the other factors that affect the entire organization.
Being a good leader is not a popularity contest. It is a serious responsibility that requires the ability to guide and develop the full potential of the organization and its people. One of the most important factors that leaders must consider when managing conflict is knowing how to spot it and seize the opportunity it presents.
Most leaders would rather avoid tension to create a more harmonious environment. Unfortunately, they are creating an environment full of internal disruption and silos by avoiding tension altogether. A good leader should be able to neutralize or minimize the impact of conflict.
Leaders often create an environment that is full of distrust and artificial barriers. This happens when people are focused on being liked and avoiding negative publicity. They are also putting themselves in situations that could reveal their leadership vulnerabilities. However, there are also ways that leaders can help their teams manage conflict.
- Perfect Timing
One of the most common reasons people avoid conflict is because they fear it will cost them their job. However, avoiding conflict at all costs can also lead to a negative outcome. One of the essential factors that leaders must consider when it comes to managing conflict is knowing how to spot it and seize the opportunity it presents. If you are still not taking action on the issues affecting your team, you will lose the respect of your colleagues and customers. Even though adversity can make or break you, it will also reveal you.
- Having Boundaries
Without knowing the boundaries of your team, conflict can become unmanageable and complex. Everyone has a unique perspective when dealing with conflict, and you must understand the rewards and risks of conflict resolution.
Conduct a careful observation to help others identify when they might cross the line. This can be done through behavioral techniques such as developing a clear understanding of the triggers that might lead to conflict. One of the most effective ways to establish boundaries is by regularly coaching your team. This will allow you to set goals and reinforce the performance expectations of your employees.
Coaching and learning about your team members will allow you to avoid conflict. The new workplace is full of people who are different from the types of individuals that you used to lead. It is crucial to identify who these individuals are to understand how they will affect the ecosystem you are trying to create.
- Respect Differences
Rather than trying to impose your will on others, you should learn to see things from different perspectives to avoid future conflict; the resolution is rarely white and black. There are more gray areas as the workplace becomes more culturally and generationally diverse. Respecting people’s differences can also help you understand how to manage conflict in the future.
As leaders, we must recognize that each employee has a unique opportunity to develop and grow. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that their contributions are valued and are not always comfortable with their colleagues.