As a manager, you may have become aware that there is conflict in your workplace. While conflict can be really positive in that it is energising and gets issues out on the table, and gets people thinking creatively, it can also be negative. People are sniping at each other; there is a lack of camaraderie; there are closed doors and whispers.
Escalation of conflict in the workplace:
When conflict happens in the workplace, those involved can grow their lists of what they have done right and what the other has done wrong. These lists can get communicated to other workers around them to rally support for their side. They form factions and take positions. The cause of the conflict and hence the remedy can become buried and forgotten amongst this growing toxicity. There is a high cost to this toxicity – loss in productivity, financial and emotional costs and can lead to the loss of valuable employees.
Taking action:
What are you going to do? Put simply, as a manager, you have three choices.
- You may take a passive approach, ignore it, and hope it goes away. This is often the first option, but it may allow the conflict to escalate.
- You may take an aggressive approach and “bang heads together”, which can work but can push feelings and issues underground, where they continue to fester.
- Or you might approach the issue assertively and directly by meeting with those involved allowing them to express their views and feelings, and teasing out what needs to be addressed to get things back on track. The issues may be cultural, communication, resourcing, structural or a combination. Getting behind the positions to the interests is key.
Professional conflict resolution:
Finally, you may decide to get professional assistance to sort out the issue. Using a third party can have many advantages:
- no personal involvement
- ensures confidentiality
- allows parties to get the emotion out to pave the way for constructive resolution
- takes the conflict “off-line” allowing people to get on with their work while things are resolved
Handled with skill and understanding, conflict can be resolved and harnessed to create a strong, caring and productive workplace.
For further information, us HERE. You can also access our support through your EAP provider.