When people interact and work together within the same work environment, conflict is bound to arise. Even after thoroughly screening and interviewing applicants, frictions and disagreements are inevitable when the recruits start working together. Workplace conflict can happen in various ways. It could be between two team members, among the whole workforce, between team leaders and team members, and between managers. Although identifying and resolving workplace conflict can be tough, it can provide meaningful learning and growth opportunities to the involved parties. Plus, having a positive working environment with no conflict improves employee engagement, retention rates and your employer brand.
In our latest guest blog, Sam McRyan considers how to identify workplace conflict and tips for resolving it.
Identifying Conflict
1. Team Members Have Different Objectives
An effective team must have a well-defined objective to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction. When team members have different objectives, communication breakdown and disagreements will arise because everyone will consider themselves to be on the right track.
2. Unhealthy Competition
Competition among employees is a crucial aspect of the success of any company. But when workers focus too much on outdoing each other to the extent of jeopardizing collaboration and cooperation, the results can be disastrous for the company. Some of the common signs of unhealthy competition include arguing too much over information, lack of teamwork, show off, creation of unhealthy alliances, and more.
3. Dysfunctional Meetings
If meetings meant for brainstorming ideas quickly turn into sessions for airing grievances, then there are issues that need to be resolved. If only a few individuals dominate the meeting while other participants seem upset or distracted, then that could also be a sign of a looming conflict.
4. High Turn-over
Are employees leaving at a high rate? No one enjoys the hassles of searching for a job. So, if people are leaving as soon as they join, then that could be a sign of an internal problem that needs to be solved. Retention rates are a key indicator towards employee satisfaction; if you notice these are particularly low it may be time to delve into your company culture.
5. Inappropriate Communications
Inappropriate communications can come in the form of impolite emails or text messages full of inappropriate words. The use of offensive language or a lack of tolerance for other team members’ opinions is a sign that a conflict may occur soon.
Resolving Conflict
1. Deal with Conflict Right Away
When conflict happens, as a leader you can’t avoid it or go on with your working day as if nothing has happened. Over time, the negative emotions will pile up and even a small disagreement will quickly transform into a full-blown conflict. Resolve issues immediately before they happen and before problems or negative emotions become part of everyday work. This proactive approach will define you as a better leader as well as enhance both your employer brand and company culture.
If a conflict develops between team members, leaders should talk to them and help them resolve their issue. If it arises between two teams, find ways to enhance interdepartmental communication. If it’s between you and one of your team members, resolve it as soon as possible and in private; admit to mistakes you may have made in your leadership. A softer and more open approach to management will reflect positively on you as an employeer.
2. Make Space for Giving and Getting Feedback
Allowing employees to share feedback is an important step towards finding the best resolution. Giving them the option to be heard improves your employer brand and makes them feel valued as your team members.
Keep in mind that this is a challenging task, particularly if the tension between everyone involved is still high. But there are steps you can take to cultivate psychological safety and trust to facilitate tension-free conversations. Start by setting a clear objective for the meeting. A clear objective helps keep the involved parties from blaming each other, and instead focus on finding a way to overcome their conflict and work together as a team. Ensure the meeting provides a space where conflicting parties feel free to share feedback.
3. Identify Points of Agreement
You can resolve the disagreement only when you have identified points of agreement. As a facilitator, you must give everyone an equal chance to speak and be heard. Listen keenly, avoid taking sides, and note down some important points. Focus on finding a common ground that the conflicting parties can support. For instance, if the disagreement is about the best program to convert word to PDF, you should listen to both parties and identify the commonalities.
4. Follow Up
Once a suitable solution to the conflict has been found, it’s imperative to follow up with the parties involved to assess the implementation process. Conducting surveys, face-to-face conversations, or joint debriefs are great ways to do a follow-up. If you find out that the solution isn’t bringing the desired results, you can go back to the drawing board and develop an alternative idea.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to identify and resolve conflict can help you find long-term solutions to problems before they become entrenched into everyday work. You should also encourage your workers to discuss work issues by building an open communication environment at work. And a great way to create an open environment and improve your employer brand is by paying attention to employee concerns and addressing them.