“If we manage conflict constructively , we harness its energy for creativity and development “- Kenneth Kaye
Human interaction inevitably involves conflict, and teams are no exception to this rule. Conflict can occur in teams for a variety of reasons, including divergent perspectives, values, and objectives. Conflict should not be perceived as good or evil; rather, it may be viewed as necessary in order to enable people and communities create meaningful relationships.
Therefore, the essential concern for management is how conflict is handled, not whether it can be avoided or lessened. Businesses' productivity, operational effectiveness, and morale suffer greatly if poorly managed. As a result, resolving conflicts is a crucial ability for leaders. Whether you are dealing with a disagreement among your team members, a clash with a client or a dispute with a stakeholder, you need to be able to handle the situation effectively and constructively.
The technique of minimising the negative effects of conflict while maximising the beneficial outcomes is referred to as conflict management. Finding a mutually acceptable solution and addressing the underlying problems are necessary for effective conflict resolution. A positive workplace environment where everyone feels heard and respected is fostered by leaders who can effectively handle conflicts. This climate fosters creativity, innovation, and high morale and increases productivity.
It is important for leaders to act as a catalyst in resolving conflict and become the glue that sticks the entire team together.
Here’s how to resolve a conflict :
Identify the source of the conflict- The first step in resolving any issue is to identify what is causing it. Is there a communication difficulty, a difference in expectations, conflicting goals, or personal difficulties? Finding the conflict's main causes allows you to solve the issue at its core rather than settling for quick and temporary fixes. Taking care of core problems fosters a resilient, cooperative workplace, increasing team members' trust and empathy. You will have direct, honest conversations and better understand one another if you can empathise with their viewpoints, validate their emotions, and acknowledge their needs.
Listen actively and respectfully- Active and respectful listening, the second step in conflict resolution, is critical for promoting understanding and cooperation. Active listening entails paying attention, asking questions, paraphrasing, and summarising, whereas respectful listening entails refraining from interruptions, judgements, and accusations.
By listening actively and respectfully, you show that you care about the other party's concerns and opinions and that you are willing to work together to find a solution. These listening practises, when combined, form a solid basis for resolving problems and building long-term partnerships.
Create and assess options- The generation and evaluation of possibilities for a potential resolution is the fourth step in resolving any issue. Creating choices entails thinking about several possible solutions to the problem while considering the requirements and interests of those involved. Evaluating options entails assessing the pros and cons, feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of each alternative. As a leader , you can explore several options and discover the optimum solution for both parties.
Look for a win-win outcome- The objective of conflict management is to find a solution that satisfies all parties while maintaining the relationship, not to win or lose. A win-win situation is one in which all parties feel heard, appreciated, and respected and in which both parties benefit from the conclusion. Avoid situations where one party dominates or cedes and both sides experience resentment, bitterness, or dissatisfaction. A compromise result, where both parties concede something and accept less than they desire, should also be avoided.
Follow up and monitor the results- Monitoring and evaluating the effects of the solution is the last step in the conflict resolution process. Checking in with the other party to make sure the solution is operating as intended. Measuring the impact and efficacy of the solution and making adjustments as necessary are part of monitoring results.
As a leader make sure the disagreement is completely addressed and avoid its recurrence by constantly following up and monitoring results. This continual dedication to conflict resolution results in long-lasting relationships and a more peaceful workplace.
A conflict resolution model is a framework that assists you in the methodical and successful analysis, understanding, and settlement of disputes. The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), which assesses five conflict resolution styles: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating, is one of the most extensively utilised. It is based on two dimensions of behaviour that help characterise the five different conflict-handling modes.
- Avoiding-This mode is low in assertiveness and cooperativeness. Because the leader withdraws from the conflict, no one wins. They are not concerned with their own or others' worries. The leader may take a passive approach to the disagreement in the expectation that it "resolves itself."
- Accommodating- This mode is characterised by low assertiveness and high cooperation. The leader disregards their own needs in order to meet the needs of others. They are willing to put their personal demands aside in order to "keep the peace" among the team. As a result, the leader loses and the other person or party triumphs. This mode can be effective since it provides an immediate solution to the problem, but it can also portray the leader as a "doormat" who will accommodate anyone who causes problems.
- Competing- This mode has a high level of assertiveness and a low level of cooperation. The leader prioritises their own needs over the needs of others. To win the battle, the leader uses all suitable authority that they possess. This is a strong and effective technique of conflict resolution that might be suitable and necessary in some situations. Misuse of this mode can result in fresh conflict; consequently, leaders who utilise this conflict-resolution method must be aware of this risk in order to establish a fruitful conclusion.
- Collaborating- This mode is marked by aggressiveness and cooperation. Individuals or teams win the conflict in this mode. The leader collaborates with the team to find a solution that addresses both of their concerns. This approach will necessitate a significant amount of time, energy, and money to identify each party's fundamental demands. This approach aids in the development of the best settlement to a disagreement that will satisfy all parties concerned.
- Compromising- This mode is moderately forceful and cooperative. It is frequently described as "giving up more than one would want" in order for each individual's concerns to be partially met. This can be considered as a situation in which no party wins or loses, but rather as a satisfactory solution found by striking a medium ground.
Conflict does not have to be a frightening eight-letter term. As an executive leader, you must be conscious of your favoured style as well as the styles of others, and choose the best one for each dispute scenario. Conflict resolution allows us to develop our relationships and convey your expectations in regard to those of others.
Just remember that conflict resolution isn't a one-and-done process. It is also not a one-size-fits-all solution. The underlying principle, though, remains the same. Use the advice in this blog to improve your conflict resolution abilities. You'll become far more successful at confronting difficulties in your organisation and brainstorming solutions that work for everyone.