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How to Lead Through Workplace Conflict: Practical Tips for Managers

By Tracy Mambrino posted 12-02-2024 01:58 PM

  

Conflict is inevitable, and most people dread addressing it. Most would rather avoid conflict than deal with the issue at hand. Why? Because it makes us uncomfortable, stressed, anxious, angry, frustrated, and helpless. These are not particularly good feelings that we care to address straight on.  

Instead of thinking that conflict is destructive, let's look at how it can be constructive so that we feel comfortable dealing with it in the workplace. 

As leaders and managers, conflict management involves working together to address everyone's concerns and find a solution. It requires active listening in a disagreement between parties, facilitating open communication that is safe, and, most importantly, getting to the root cause of the conflict. Sound simple? To achieve these goals, practice the tips below to ensure a mutually agreeable outcome while creating a positive work culture. 

11 Tips for Leaders and Managers to Resolve Conflict

  • Provide a safe space: Create a non-judgmental environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly about their concerns. 

  • Open and honest communication: Focus on facts and behaviors, not personal attacks. Ask each party to be honest and clear about the issue at hand. 

  • Set clear expectations: When meeting with the parties, establish guidelines for respectful communication and conflict resolution. 

  • Lead by example: Set the standard for the team by being calm, relaxed, and respectful. 

  • Actively listen: Eliminate any distractions such as phones, emails, and noise, and give each party your full attention without interrupting. 

  • Identifying the root cause: This is a key piece in making sure you understand the real issue and not just surface-level disagreements.  

  • Neutral stance: Avoid taking sides and remain impartial. 

  • Empathy: Understand the feelings expressed by each party, so you have a clear understanding and perspective of the issue.  

  • Identify solutions: Identify what the problem is and have each party work together to identify potential solutions. 

  • Follow-up: After the meeting schedule a time to follow up with each party to check in and be sure the issue has been fully resolved. 

  • Provide training: Offer employees opportunities to attend training on conflict resolution skills.  

Enhance Leadership Skills: 3 Catapult Courses to Master Workplace Conflict Resolution

Communication and Conflict: Working Effectively with Others

No matter what your role in an organization is, you will not be successful if you cannot work well with others. Whether your customers are internal or external, you must be able to communicate effectively and resolve conflict to achieve and exceed your goals. This full-day course will teach you how to build successful and productive work relationships through effective communication and conflict-resolution skills. View upcoming sessions.

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

In this course, you'll gain essential skills for managing workplace conflict, handling difficult people, and navigating toxic work environments. You'll learn to identify sources of conflict, recognize your own conflict style, and apply effective resolution strategies. Additionally, the course covers techniques for addressing toxic workplace behaviors, setting and maintaining professional boundaries, and fostering a positive work environment. View upcoming sessions. 

The Fundamentals of Supervision Certificate Program

With the right mix of skills, knowledge, and confidence, supervisors can be the key drivers for improving performance and productivity and creating a positive and safe work environment. This interactive 6-module course offers supervisors a solid foundation to excel in their new roles. Participants will gain new insights and strategies for building trust and credibility, communicating effectively, delegating tasks, managing conflict, and motivating their teams. Through self-assessment, lively discussions, small-group breakout exercises, and interactive technology, participants will develop the skills they need to successfully lead their teams to maximize productivity. View upcoming sessions.

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