Conflict Management

DEFINITION
The ability to collaborate effectively and manage conflicts

WHAT IS IT?
Conflict arises naturally in relationships when individuals have differing perspectives, opinions, or ideas on a topic.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
When managed well, creative conflict can enhance a group's understanding by incorporating diverse viewpoints. However, if not handled properly, it can undermine team cohesion, diminish individual and collective effectiveness, and potentially escalate into personal disputes.

Recommendations to Improve

Start With Self-Examination

Begin by assessing your own relationships for any unresolved conflicts. Holding grudges or harboring resentment can negatively affect your interactions with colleagues. It's important to address these feelings, whether that means letting go of minor issues or having a candid conversation with the person involved. For instance, you might say, “Bob, although we’ve had our disagreements, I respect you and would like to find a way to work together more effectively for the benefit of our department.” Most people will appreciate your effort to reconcile.

Encourage Healthy Conflict

Start With Self-Examination

Next, foster a positive attitude towards conflict and debate. Some individuals may be unintentionally aggressive, while others might avoid conflict altogether or take things too personally. Managers should emphasize the value of constructive debate and establish ground rules for discussions. During team meetings, set clear guidelines that promote vigorous debate while ensuring that comments remain respectful and personal grievances do not affect future interactions.

Manage Disagreements

Start With Self-Examination

Manage Disagreements

When faced with differing opinions on issues like declining company sales, discussions can become intense. Address any team members who are not engaging constructively or are causing friction. Guide them to handle their disagreements maturely, focusing on the overall benefit of the team or organization.

Books to Read

Difficult People at Work – Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Cooperation with Difficult Coworkers

This book helps readers understand how to resolve conflict in the workplace. It focuses on how to deal with difficult coworkers.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

New York Times bestseller on how to deal with conflict productively.

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most

Another best seller that’s very popular with corporate training programs.

Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity

A compelling read on being upfront, honest, and dealing with conflict head on.

The Coward’s Guide to Conflict: Empowering Solutions for Those Who Would Rather Run Than Fight

Nobody likes conflict, but you can’t avoid it. Top performers just like you face problems every day. If you know how to deal with conflict well, you can turn it into your biggest opportunity for success.

Leading the Unleadable: How to Manage Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People

Every manager has to deal with difficult employees, but what separates great managers is the ability to turn them into productive team players. This book explains the straight-forward process that gently, yet effectively, improves behaviors.

The Conflict Resolution Toolbox

Presents a wide variety of tools to diagnose different problems, in vastly different circumstances, with different people, and resolve these conflicts effectively.

Conflict Management

Recommendations to Improve

Start With Self-Examination

Start With Self-Examination

Start With Self-Examination

Encourage Healthy Conflict

Start With Self-Examination

Start With Self-Examination

Manage Disagreements

Start With Self-Examination

Manage Disagreements

Books to Read

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