It’s not surprising that tensions often escalate quickly in the hectic pace of today’s corporate world; leading to conflicts that disrupt productivity and morale. However, with a more mindful approach, potential issues can often be addressed before they turn into full-blown disputes. Here are some practical tips and steps to help you identify and resolve potential problems and tension before they escalate.
Things to Look Out for to Identify Future Potential Conflicts:
Communication Breakdown: Watch for signs of miscommunication or lack of communication among team members. It’s often the first indicator of a brewing problem.
Changes in Behaviour: Sudden changes in a colleague’s behaviour or work performance can signal underlying issues.
Group Dynamics: Be aware of ‘cliques’ forming or situations where people are excluded, this frequently results in a division within a team.
Resource Crunch: Notice if competition for resources or information is causing friction among staff.
Practical Steps to Address these Problems Early On:
Open Dialogue: Encourage open and honest communication. Create a safe space for employees to voice concerns without the fear of repercussions.
Active Listening: Practice active listening, show genuine empathy by acknowledging the feelings and perspectives of others, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.
Seek Clarification: Avoid assumptions. Clarify misunderstandings promptly to prevent them from escalating.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Involve all parties in finding a solution. This creates a sense of ownership and cooperation. Have a brainstorming/informal team building session where everyone is invited to share their opinion and ideas in a non- threatening environment, and to be part of agreeing on a solution.
Mediation: If tensions rise, consider bringing in a neutral third party to mediate discussions. This could be a colleague from another department/division or an outside training consultant with relevant subject experience.
Follow-Up: After resolving the issue, check in regularly to ensure the solution is effective and that no new issues have arisen.
By staying vigilant and proactive, staff can play a crucial role in maintaining a harmonious workplace. Remember, the goal is to minimise the likelihood of conflict developing whenever possible, by trying to resolve the cause of the tension before it has a chance to escalate.