Staff Cohesion: PART 11 of 12 - How Conflict Resolution in the Workplace Impacts Staff Cohesion
My last blog was about how offering opportunities for Social Interaction in the workplace can impact staff cohesion. This blog is about how implementing a solid conflict resolution process or program in the workplace positively impacts Staff Cohesion.
I enrolled and completed a 40-hour Training through the Center for Understanding Conflict back in November. While on one hand it was mind-blowing, on the other hand it all felt like common sense.
Conflict arises in every area of our life. It is a common experience to most people. There is nothing wrong about conflict until it gets out of hand. And sadly, it gets out of hand…OFTEN. Why is that you ask? Because we belong to a reactive species.
When a conflict arises, most people don’t stop to seek understanding. They are more apt to focus on the need to defend themselves or to justify their behaviors and reactions. To truly pause and wonder what might be the meaning and feelings behind what someone else wants and needs is rare.
As you consider your workplace, home, or family this holiday season, you know that conflict is inevitable. Yet, the magic lies not in the absence of disagreements but in how we navigate and resolve them.
With regards to the workplace, a solid conflict resolution process isn't just a protocol—it's a secret sauce that can spice up staff cohesion in unexpected ways.
Conflict is often seen as the villain of workplace dynamics, but it's more of a misunderstood hero waiting for the right cue. When conflicts are approached constructively, they become catalysts for growth. Implementing a clear conflict resolution process signals to your team that differences are not roadblocks but stepping stones. It empowers individuals to voice concerns, knowing there's a structured path towards resolution that values everyone's perspective.
A workplace that is willing to de-stigmatize conflict by openly acknowledging and addressing conflicts will experience greater rewards. Conflict resolution fosters an environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and respected. This inclusivity is the cornerstone of staff cohesion. It's not about erasing differences but about leveraging them for collective progress. When teams navigate conflicts together, they emerge stronger, bonded by a shared understanding of each other's viewpoints.
Reflection Questions:
How comfortable do you feel expressing concerns or disagreements in the current workplace environment?
What past experiences with conflict resolution, positive or negative, have influenced your approach to conflicts at work?
In what ways can conflict be reframed as an opportunity for growth and understanding rather than a threat?
Potential Action Steps to Cultivate a Conflict-Positive Environment:
Establish a Clear Conflict Resolution Protocol: Clearly outline steps for addressing conflicts, emphasizing open communication and a commitment to understanding one another and finding common ground. This clarity provides a roadmap for navigating disagreements.
Promote Active Listening Workshops: Actively listening to colleagues' perspectives is a key skill in conflict resolution. Hosting workshops or training sessions on active listening can enhance this skill across the team, creating a culture of understanding.
Celebrate Conflict Resolutions: Highlight instances where conflicts were resolved positively. This can be in team meetings, newsletters, or a dedicated space. Celebrating successful resolutions reinforces the idea that conflicts, when handled well, contribute to the team's growth.
In the grand narrative of a workplace, conflicts are not antagonists but narrative arcs that, when resolved thoughtfully, lead to a more profound sense of unity. Implementing a robust conflict resolution process isn't just a protocol; it's an investment in the collective strength and cohesion of a team. It transforms clashes into opportunities and disagreements into bridges, weaving a story of collaboration, understanding, shared success, and meaningful relationships.
I look forward to reading your thoughts and experiences on this week’s topic!
In solidarity and with love,
Misha Safran, PCC, MA
Relationship Coach and Trainer, Author, and Speaker
