How do you manage conflict?

How Do You Manage Conflict?

Every business encounters conflict, but what we sometimes overlook is that a bit of conflict can actually be healthy. To drive success, businesses need intelligent, confident, and bright individuals—but with a team full of such attributes, conflict is bound to arise. The key lies in how effectively we manage it.

Understanding Differences

We are all unique, with no two people being the same. These differences often manifest in:

• Information and knowledge
• Assumptions
• Beliefs and values
• Cultures
• Expectations
• Wants and needs

But what truly causes conflict?

At its core, conflict arises when people take these differences too personally. It’s worth looking in the mirror—sometimes the traits we see in others reflect our own. People often focus on defending themselves, becoming emotionally attached to the situation and its outcome. Another contributing factor could be differing communication styles. Entrepreneurs tend to be more intuitive, while analytical thinkers approach issues more linearly. Neither is right nor wrong; they’re just different perspectives.

How Do People Deal with Conflict?

People’s responses to conflict vary based on personality, but generally, they might:

• Change their opinion when presented with evidence or simply avoid further confrontation.
• Completely avoid the conflict and walk away.
• Play the victim—saying nothing but grumbling to others.
• Confront the issue head-on.
• Detach from the situation and look at the bigger picture.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” – Abraham Lincoln

Strategies for Managing Conflict

It’s crucial for management to understand that conflict needs to be effectively managed, not avoided. Here’s how to create a framework for addressing conflict:

• Clearly define roles for each team member.
• Acknowledge and understand different personality types, along with their strengths and weaknesses.
• Set clear strategic and operational goals.
• Establish rules for team conduct.
• Promote mindful listening without judgment.

Four Steps to Effective Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution isn’t just a handy skill—it’s essential for navigating today’s competitive landscape. Here are four steps to resolve conflicts quickly and effectively:

1. It’s Not About Winning or Losing

A lack of empathy can prevent meaningful resolution. If someone feels like they’ve “won,” it suggests that the deeper issues haven’t been fully addressed. There’s a difference between empowering someone and declaring a victor. Empowerment comes from active listening, focusing on the issues at hand, and finding solutions that appeal to all involved.

2. Maintain Open Communication

After reaching a positive outcome, it’s important to maintain open communication. While you don’t need to revisit the conflict constantly, staying aware of similar triggers and ensuring ongoing dialogue can prevent future issues.

3. Empathy Is Key

Practical skills are essential for defusing conflicts, but a purely practical approach won’t lead to lasting success. Genuine empathy—caring about what you’re saying, the solutions discussed, and sincerely recognizing the other person’s perspective—is crucial. Even if you disagree with someone’s ideas, expressing understanding is essential for progress.

“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” – Alfred Adler

4. Don’t Abandon Your Self-Respect

While empathy is important, it’s equally vital not to lose your self-respect. Conflict resolution requires patience and maintaining your self-worth. This doesn’t mean stubbornly refusing to acknowledge your own role in the conflict, but rather avoiding the trap of polite submission where you withhold your true thoughts.

Final Thoughts

I urge all team managers and leaders to reflect on how you currently address conflict in your business. Consider incorporating these strategies into your approach to create a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Facing conflicts in your organisation? Still in need of some added advice and guidance – then book in a Genius Zone Consult to discover what your current challenges are and explore how I can support you in solving those challenges.