Conflicts are inevitable in a work place where people spend a lot of time together. Inevitable yes, but as explained by Executive Coaches Joan Bunashe and Lindsay Broder in their article How Leaders Can Best Manage Conflict Within Their Teams, there are simple ways to reduce magnitude and possible damages. Here are some tips:
- Don’t separate the “problem” people from the rest of the group.
- Do this exercise: each team member share his or her view of the situation. They are then encouraged to describe what other persons’ views might be. This helps increasing empathy.
- Make sure that everybody is aware of the value he or she brings to the company.
- As the manager, show respect and appreciation and encourage the team to do the same.
- Don’t allow team members to label each other.
- Turn disagreement into brainstorming sessions to find solutions to the conflict together. Make people realize that another person’s personal view is not an attack and that you all are striving to accomplish the same mission.