Conflict, Conflict, and More Conflict

Are you prepared to navigate conflict in your workplace?

Conflict is everywhere – around the globe, at the capital, in your city, at the local gas station this morning, and probably at your office (whether it’s in-person, hybrid or virtual). Recent surveys show that managers are using all of their conflict resolution muscles and more to combat simmering disagreements between team members. And that simmering pot isn’t going anywhere.

Are your new leaders and managers prepared?  Probably not. Do they know how to engage in meaningful conflict? Or facilitate it with others?

No one is born with skills in conflict resolution. It is a skill that is learned over time, and your new managers and leaders need concentrated skill-building and coaching opportunities to grow in this area, or it’s going to eat them alive. Good leaders know this and make it part of their leadership toolkit; bad leaders ignore conflict resolution and pay the price, personally and for their teams.

Everyone likes to feel heard, seen, and respected…whether you agree with them or not. Below are just a few pointers that are helpful as we all grow.

Set the Stage
(Accomplishes shared expectations and meaning.)

• What are your boundaries? What are their boundaries?
• Does your group have touchstones/community agreements/group norms that describe the behavioral expectations for your team?
• How are you going to frame the conversation? What is the purpose of the conversation? 
• Where will it take place? For how long? When? In-person or virtual? 

Invite Participation
(Accomplishes confidence that their voice is welcome.)

• What is your stance as a leader?
• How are you demonstrating situational humility?
• What questions will you ask?
• How are you going to model good listening?

Respond Productively
(Accomplishes orientation toward collaboration.)

• How do you know if the team member feels that they are being acknowledged?
• What do you do when you need to call out behavior that goes against your team’s community agreements/touchstones?
• Is everyone being held accountable to the same degree?

I know this can seem like a lot to digest and to implement. If you are interested, I would love to talk with you about providing a customized training for your new managers and leaders in the upcoming months. Call me at (803) 920-1736 to schedule a time to talk. 

Stay Sharp,

Holly Hayes, President & Founder
ISI Consulting