How to Handle Conflict in the Workplace
In the workplace, it is not uncommon to encounter disagreements and conflicts, with approximately 38% of employees in the UK reporting having experienced interpersonal conflicts at work in an average year. This is common among many workforces, as diverse teams often have differing perspectives and objectives. The ability of managers to adeptly navigate these conflicts, find amicable solutions, and effectively engage in conflict resolution is crucial. Understanding that teams may possess divergent views and goals, it becomes important for team leaders to work on developing their skills in conflict resolution. Successfully addressing and managing workplace conflicts not only ensures the smooth operation of the business but also plays a pivotal role in maintaining a high level of morale among employees.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the top skills leaders will need when handling conflict in the workplace – by identifying the cause of the conflict, creating strategies to resolve it, and ensuring minimal conflict occurs in the future.
Communicate
Establishing an open line of communication between leaders and staff members is a pivotal strategy in preventing conflicts from emerging within the workplace. Effective communication serves to enhance relationships and can be done in many ways. One way is managers proactively providing regular feedback to employees. This practice is important in keeping employees well-informed, commending their efforts, and highlighting areas for improvement, therefore mitigating the potential for conflicts to arise. In addition to this, regular team meetings emerge as another critical way for fostering communication and preventing conflicts. They provide a platform for team members to share their opinions and feedback while also reinforcing a collaborative space for the team. Cultivating an environment where staff feel comfortable asking questions and providing input significantly reduces the likelihood of disagreements. Embracing a culture with open communication will help foster understanding and harmony among managers and staff.
Active Listening
Another important part of effective conflict resolution for leaders involves the art of active listening. Active listening, as defined by experts, is a communication technique employed in counselling, training, and conflict resolution. It necessitates the listener to provide feedback to the speaker by reflecting on and summarizing what has been communicated. By deliberately engaging in active listening, it can be used as a tool to prevent conflicts from escalating further and contributes significantly to fostering understanding and empathy among those involved. By embracing this technique, leaders can not only mitigate the immediate impact of conflicts but also lay the foundation for stronger relationships and a positive environment.
Admission of Mistakes
When conflict arises, a pivotal step toward resolution is for all involved parties to take accountability for any errors or shortcomings. By admitting faults, it’s not only an exercise in honesty but also a demonstration of courage, setting a commendable example for the team. Team members are more likely to appreciate leaders and colleagues who exhibit the self-awareness necessary and recognize when they have made mistakes. By offering a sincere apology, both parties can move forward and help rebuild trust and understanding.
Looking to the Future
In order to prevent further conflicts, establishing an action plan going forward is a key way to help move forward. By those involved getting together and deciding the steps that need to be taken to solve the issue, and for those as a leader to facilitate this discussion, it will prevent future issues.
To conclude, it’s necessary as a leader to understand how best to deal with conflict as it’s something that can occur in the workplace at any time. By implementing these strategies and ensuring that your employees feel respected and heard, it will minimize the possibility of any serious conflicts and help create a positive and harmonious working environment.