Conflict is a common occurrence, but it can be harmful to working teams and the organization as a whole. Our earlier blogs outlined both the CAUSES and the IMPACTS of interpersonal conflict on teams. It’s time to address the solutions for these conflicts.
How do you address the issue skillfully to help the team (or an individual) turn things around so that everyone is working together for the common good? This article provides some guidance, based on our decades of experience in executive coaching and leadership development.
- Notice, Acknowledge and Take Action
Whenever you notice things are not going smoothly within your team or with one of your direct reports, the most important thing you can do is pay attention. Take notice of the behavior and don’t brush off any complaints. You will be guiding your team toward success as soon as you acknowledge there is a problem, rather than waiting until negative interpersonal patterns are entrenched. If you are reluctant to address the issue directly or keep putting off the conversation, it may be time to bring in a seasoned professional. Offering direct, honest and constructive feedback is the hallmark of what we do.
- Establish Shared Intent
Create safety in the conversation by establishing a mutual or shared goal for providing feedback (“I care about your success here.”). Being open about the intention behind feedback helps to curb any feelings the individual may have about being attacked or “called out.”
- Provide Context and an Explanation
Give specifics of when/where the issue happened, as well as who was involved (“When Jane was sharing her perspective on the strategy in today’s meeting…”). Once the stage is set, recount with directness and openness the specific behaviors that were witnessed (“You talked over her and restated your point of view.”). Then explain the impact those behaviors may have had on individuals, the team, and shared goals.
- Engage in Give-and-Take
Always give ample opportunity for the team member to provide their perspective (“How do you see this? Were you aware this was happening?”). Ensure that the individual does not feel chastised. Instead, give them an opportunity to be heard, while still holding firm to what is unacceptable behavior within your team. This is a key time to practice active listening and express empathy and understanding.
- Discuss Ideas for Improvement
Clearly state the expectations and desired outcomes for the future. Ask the team member what ideas they have for improvement and express your willingness to provide support (“What ideas do you have to address this? I can commit to letting you know in the moment the next time this happens. What’s our plan going forward?”). This style of collaboration promotes their ownership of the issue and provides greater long-term benefits; it enhances communication skills and strengthens relationships.
How Can Innolect Help?
The ripple effect of conflict can be fast, dangerous and far-reaching. But the negative impact of conflicts can be successfully curtailed with effective management, communication and understanding.
Read our previous blogs to understand the main triggers and causes of conflict in the workplace (Interpersonal Conflict on Your Team: The Causes), as well as the impacts these conflicts can have (Interpersonal Conflict on Your Team: The Impacts). Be on the lookout for our final blog in this series on how to harness conflict to fuel your team’s creativity.
At Innolect, we help build the foundation for you to bring your best self to work, and we thrive on building high-integrity workplaces. The bottom line? We are committed to helping leaders live with purpose as they develop and grow themselves, their teams and their organizations. Learn more about our approaches HERE.
Given interpersonal conflict within your working teams can be difficult to manage, our Innolect consultants are available to help you navigate them with grace. To set up a consultation or training, contact us today. Additionally, our products and assessments help leaders develop the skills and capabilities needed to grow exponentially. Consider ordering our latest book for you and your team: Ignite Your Imagination: 21 Ways to Learn.
Contact us to schedule a consultation:
https://innolectinc.com/contact-us/
(803) 396-8500
innolect@innolectinc.com