The world is rife with conflict, whether from war or just an everyday Facebook fight, so it may seem wise to try to remove conflict from our places of employment. However, while eliminating conflict may make for a more peaceful workplace, doing so can hurt a business’s growth. Conflict is a natural occurrence, and there are ways it can be a positive experience for you and your employees. Show
What is workplace conflict?Workplace conflict refers to any disagreement or tension among employees of an organization. It is common, since the vast array of people working for a business bring unique thoughts, backgrounds, communication styles and personal perspectives into the workplace. Inevitably, some of these elements will be in opposition and cause conflict among the group. But this conflict isn’t necessarily a bad thing. What is beneficial about healthy forms of workplace conflict?While the word “conflict” typically has a negative connotation, there are times when disagreements in the workplace are actually quite healthy and advantageous. Here’s why a business may want to embrace certain workplace conflicts.
What are examples of healthy conflict in the workplace?A company will have a harder time succeeding if it’s plagued by absenteeism, low engagement and other conflict-driven culture issues. But there are types of healthy conflict that you should embrace within reason, including the examples below. DebatesOffice debates are a great way to generate new ideas and spur your team’s creativity. And they don’t mean you have to turn the workplace into a middle school debate club with podiums and scripted topics. Instead, encourage discussion and reasonable disagreement supported by facts. Debating ideas can lead to new perspectives and ways to approach a problem that boost productivity. Just make sure the conversation doesn’t devolve into petty arguments or turn into a cruel fight rather than an intelligent back-and-forth. Friendly competitionCompetition between businesses is what drives innovation in the marketplace, and it can be effective within a company as well. Friendly workplace competition can encourage employees to complete tasks quicker and come up with stronger ideas. If you have a large group working on one project, try breaking them into smaller teams and offer incentives to whichever team solves the problem first. This challenge may breathe new life into the project and push your employees to come up with interesting solutions they would not have considered if left to their own devices. DisruptionDisruption is a word that’s thrown around a lot in Silicon Valley and the startup world, but it’s a concept that can be used by any business to foster both modernization and belonging. Leaning into change, instead of sticking to an established formula, can help your organization succeed and make your employees feel more valued and integral to the company. Rather than letting workers stick with the status quo, push them to be disruptive and develop better ways of doing things in your business and the industry at large. If a staff member comes to you with a new idea, method or system, don’t shut them down immediately. Listen to your employees and be supportive if you think they’re on to something. Did you know?: Facilitating an inclusive workplace culture, where diversity and belonging are promoted, is a critical part of providing a healthy work environment.How do you keep conflict in the workplace healthy?Not all conflict is going to be good, and there are times when a leader has to be more like an office parent, said Brit Poulson, psychologist, leadership development expert and author of The Clarity Compass. Take initiative and directly address the issue if it gets too heated among your team. “Step into the role of authority the employees need you to take,” he said. Here are a few things you can do to resolve toxic disputes and reduce the occurrence of unhealthy conflict in the future:
What are signs of unhealthy workplace conflict?While workplace conflict can be healthy, it can also quickly become the opposite. Below are some signs of unhealthy workplace conflict and how you can redirect it into opportunities for growth.
If you notice any of the above signs are present in your workplace, rest assured you can turn them into healthy opportunities for team growth. Take some time to speak with your employees individually and together. Be open with them about anything you’ve noticed that seems unhealthy. Give them room to share their thoughts and feelings. Try holding problem-solving discussions where you can listen and offer solutions that will support and encourage everyone within your company to work together well. Setting a positive exampleFinding ways to manage healthy conflict in your workplace can also mean discovering areas for improvement. Channel disagreements into opportunities for meaningful change within your organization. Be sure you’re leading your team by example and helping them maneuver conflict constructively. If you foster a culture that embraces healthy conflict and quickly resolves unhealthy conflict, you’ll promote a positive and productive work environment for both you and your employees. Karina Fabian contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article. Why is it beneficial to work with conflicts and disagreements?Improved relationships.
By working through conflict together, you'll feel closer to the people around you and gain a better understanding of what matters to them and how they prefer to work. You'll also set an important precedent: that it's possible to have “good” fights and then move on.
Why can disagreements be beneficial in teams?Many people think of disagreement as exclusively negative, and go to great lengths to avoid it. But team conflict within workplace teams is actually essential to their long-term business success. Conflict can spur better ideas, creativity, and greater innovation, which helps leading companies gain a competitive edge.
What are the benefits of dealing with conflict?Five of the most important benefits which relate to workplace conflict are:. Earlier Problem Identification. ... . Better Problem-Solving. ... . Healthy Relationships, Morale and Commitment. ... . Improved Productivity. ... . Personal Growth and Insight. ... . About the Author.. Why is it important to resolve disagreement?If two or more parties struggle to resolve their conflict, these feelings may lead to explosive behaviors and resentment later on. Communication, emotional awareness and empathy are crucial elements of conflict resolution that can lead to high-functioning and more satisfying relationships in all aspects of life.
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