Conflict Resolution
At some point, any group that is engaged in important work will experience conflict between its members. Conflict is inevitable because people have different personalities, beliefs, experiences, and points of view. Conflict is a natural phenomenon, but one that can accelerate out of control when people feel threatened, when they feel blocked from getting what they want, or when they face a risk of losing what they have gained.The goal of conflict resolution is to solve problems and find common ground between people who have opposing perspectives. Effectively resolving conflict requires involves recognizing the conflict early on, identify the implications of the conflict, diagnose the source, and follow through with a plan of action.
When Does Conflict Require Assistance?
The conflict-resolution process requires outside support when the parties involved can find no common ground, when people become distracted from their responsibilities, or when the conflict begins to hinder employee productivity and undermine team members' morale of the organization. If conflict is not managed or channeled properly it can threaten the well being of individuals, cross-functional departments, senior leadership, and the culture of the entire organization.
How Can Unresolved Conflict Destructive?
- Drains energy and attention from important tasks, productivity, safety, quality, and/or teamwork
- Destroys the self-esteem and motivation of others
- Polarizes individuals and creates sub groups and cliques
- Leads to emotional and personal attacks that create "baggage"
- Results in unproductive competitiveness, frustration and anger that gets vented
How Can Conflict Be Constructive?
Conflict doesn't have to be negative. When people have the right skills, conflict can be healthy and used to produce creative solutions and enhance team effectiveness:
- Exposes important issues
- Leads to greater clarification and understanding between people
- Produces innovative solutions
- Enables people to learn and expand their perspective
- Encourages meaningful dialogue and communication
- Leads to cooperation and greater unity between people or groups
