September 8, 2014

Dealing With Workplace Conflict

The workplace conflict.

 

In one way or another, we’ve all been there. In some cases, it’s a result of interdependence, when one team member feels that they need to pick up the slack of another. Other times it’s disagreement over how a job should get done. And sometimes it’s simply due to a personality clash between team members.

 

Note: If you are concerned about style differences between team members, check out our Personal Insights Profile utilizing D.I.S.C. D.I.S.C. stands for Dominating, Influencing, Steadiness, and Compliance. These assessments will offer you heightened insight into the working communication styles, behaviors and motivators both for yourself and of your team members, allowing you to better lead them as individuals and as a group.

 

When a workplace conflict first arises, moving on from it without acting will only cause the problem to fester and grow. And before you know it, there’s miscommunication, passive aggression, and increased anxiety.

 

According to experts, the best way to deal with conflict is to, duh, deal with it. Say something. Find a solution. And the time to act is not tomorrow, or next week; the time to act is now, before the problem worsens.

 

As a leader in your organization, it’s your responsibility to handle these moments in conflict in a constructive manner, and here are some tips to help you do just that:

 

  1. Try the find the deeper issue. Before attacking and addressing the outward conflicts, take a moment to think about what might be causing it. Oftentimes, by the time a conflict surfaces, more serious issues have been festering for quite some time.
  2. Be positive: Present your criticism in a positive way. Avoid “you statements” that might cause people to become defensive. Perhaps even use the “Sandwich Method,” which is when you give criticism sandwiched between two honest pieces of positive assessments.
  3. Plan: Addressing conflict isn’t easy for everyone. Before you confront your team, plan what you’re going to say in advance.
  4. Allow It to Sink In: If your criticism is likely to cause strong reactions, allow the individuals time to think about it before responding. If you feel yourself becoming hotheaded, take a walk around the block to cool off.

 

We are a diverse team, dedicated to offering our clients unparalleled customer service and custom solutions to meet their own unique needs. At Coors Healthcare Solutions, our dedication lies in building strong teams, with stronger leaders. Visit our website to learn more about our services, and share with us how your team handles internal conflict!

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