Conflict is not a bad thing. We just have to be intentional on how we respond to it and how we manage it effectively. -Elizabeth Goueti
When it comes to managing conflict, it's important to have emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others, which helps us to better manage conflict.
Conflict in the workplace takes on many different forms. It can look like someone disagreeing with an idea or making a passive aggressive comment. Language can be a cause of conflict, as people have different definitions and ways of looking at a particular word. Conflict can also arise when people don't feel safe at work and can't express themselves. It's important to remember that communication is not just the way a person speaks, but also the words used, tones, and body language.
Conflict can also have many positive properties. It can be a catalyst for change. Conflict can change the way we see an existing problem. It can help us to accelerate solving a problem in a new way.
The first step to resolving conflict is to analyze and assess what is going on. Conflict can start out small, such as one or two disgruntled individuals, or it can grow into something bigger between a larger team. Whatever the conflict is, here are a few tips on how to manage:
Be open to new opinions or ideas.
Lead strategically and empathetically to understand someone else's perspective.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
For more ideas on how to manage conflict, listen to the Spring Forward Podcast episode 14 entitled "The Art of Conflict Resolution: Lessons for Professionals in the Workplace" with guest Elizabeth Goueti. We talk about what conflict is, how it can be a catalyst for organizational change, and provide strategies on how to manage.
Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2186687/13228837-the-art-of-conflict-resolution-lessons-for-professionals-in-the-workplace.mp3?download=true
