Leaders need to quickly and easily manage conflict with their team members. Discord at work affects everyone. In fact, it creates an environment of uncertainty and negativity.
There can be constructive changes if the situation is taken care of maturely and sensitively. This can happen via effective conflict management at work.
So how can leaders manage conflict?
1. Understand the Nature of the Conflict
It’s very tempting and easy to spread rumors about conflicts. Do not make assumptions because that will worsen your relationship with your team. Maturely speak to them and make sure you’re well-read regarding company policies.
Understand and analyze all perspectives of the conflict to help achieve an optimal outcome.
2. Treat Your Employees like Adults
Let your team know that you are alright with working things out yourself. When you give them autonomy to do so, there’s a very slight chance for you to get involved.
However, if you’re the one they have conflicts with, make sure you have someone guiding you. And be very objective if you are working out the conflict.
Leaders should behave like a mentor. Some essential points include:
- Understand the emotional aspect of talking with individuals
- Talk to each person separately, listen to both or all sides of the story
- Encourage open communication to resolve the conflict
Let your members know that you feel for them and understand their issues.
However, don’t forget to focus on problems and behaviors rather than the people.
3. Sort it Out Early
Some situations need your supervision. If ignored, you can mess up the team’s productivity and engagement.
Be quick and get to the crux of the issue. Deescalation early can do wonders.
Leading by example is the best way to uphold and reinforce company values. Organizational climate and culture are severely affected by conflicts.
4. Listen to All Sides
At first, do not encourage others to give their opinions. That should be left for the worst-case scenario.
However, remember to listen to those directly involved. Try evaluating the extent of hostility among the employees. Remember, you’re there to sort out the situation.
5. Figure out the Root Cause
This needs to be done together. Make sure you slow things down after all the emotional turbulence between the employees.
Talk it out with them individually for quick and effective results.
At this step, HR can also get involved for impartial outcomes.
6. Keep in Touch with an Employee Handbook
Several policies protect you as a mediator and your employees, too – keep an eye on the guidelines because you’re there to manage the existing conflict – not worsen it.
7. Come Up with a Reasonable Solution
Quick fixes have an issue in that they don’t last forever. Instead of quickly resolving an issue, ensure that you develop a realistic solution where nobody gets hurt.
Make sure you do not completely throw out the idea of any necessary company changes, either.
8. Document the Conflict
It’s essential to note down conflicts to prevent them in the future. Repeating offenses will affect the organizational climate.
Documentation also helps protect your company from lawsuits. An HR file is a must, and each document must include aspects like what, who, when, where, and how. This helps in understanding the situation in and out.
9. Manage Conflict
Managing conflict is a skill everyone must-have for a more peaceful and easy-going work environment. You can always sign up employees for conflict management courses.
10. Practice What You Preach
In simple words, be the change you want to see.
Playing a Role
Leaders play a significant role in managing conflict. If you are ambitious enough and love your organization, make sure you sign up for an online course and learn how to manage conflict at work, and keep practicing.
It’s sometimes difficult to be a people person, so take it as a challenge.
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How Can Leaders Manage Conflict?
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Good insights for the growing leaders and for me also on how to access the conflicts within an organisation.I need the details of author or his website.