Conflict of the slightest magnitude can prove detrimental to any professional environment. Effective leaders understand that preventing or promptly eliminating this problem could go a long way towards improving both the professional environment and employee productivity. Adhering to the following tips might help those holding leadership attain such goals:
Establish A Common Purpose
Conflict often forms because individuals are naturally competitive. Effective leaders often prevent conflict from occurring by establishing a common purpose. If an executive identifies a company or organization’s objectives clearly and frequently, their subordinates may gain a greater understanding of what is expected of them and strive to meet such expectations.
Respect All Parties
Good leaders respect their subordinates. What might not be an issue of significance to one party could be to another. It is important to attempt to understand what is precipitating the issue(s) in question. Respecting the differences individuals have is also vital. Factors like age, culture or background could play into why certain individuals are impacted by certain people and events.
Foster Communications
When conflict arises, ignoring its existence is the worst possible action that can be taken. Effective leaders will encourage the conflicting parties to communicate. Encouraging the differing factions to concisely, clearly and thoroughly explain the issues behind the debate in question will lead to discussion and could precipitate quicker solutions.
Never Underestimate Conflict’s Impact
Even the smallest conflicts between people could lead to teamwork issues and lead to diminished productivity. Those holding leadership positions will not dismiss or underestimate the importance any notable conflict or adopt an “it will resolve on its own” attitude.
Do Not Provoke Potential Conflicts
Granted, amongst a leader’s most important jobs is to accomplish the tasks and goals that need to be accomplished. That said, some executives make the mistake of using whatever methods are necessary to accomplish such actions. That said, resorting to tactics like slave driving, bullying or shaming will often precipitate conflict between superior and employee.
Certain subordinates might possess the capacity to endure these actions. In certain cases, such persons might thrive in those environments. However, such behaviors will often exert a negative impact upon many staff members. In numerous instances, leader-precipitated conflict is the cause for resentment, underperformance and might spurn a desire for the impacted employee to seek other professional opportunities.
Originally posted on FlavioAlmeida.org.