Tend to avoid conflict at work? It’s not just you.

Many individuals find it challenging to engage in arguments and yield too easily. Here are three science-backed strategies to help you handle conflict…

Cultivate Psychological Safety

Amy Edmondson, a leading researcher in team effectiveness, emphasises the importance of creating a work environment where employees can freely express their opinions and concerns without fear of negative consequences. This fosters constructive discussions, problem-solving, and innovation.

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Practise Active Listening

Simon Sinek encourages active listening as a powerful tool to defuse conflicts. It involves genuinely understanding what the other person is saying, validating their perspectives, and demonstrating empathy. Active listening promotes mutual understanding and open dialogue, facilitating conflict de-escalation and common ground discovery.

Employ Mediation and Conflict Resolution Techniques

Renowned mediator William Ury believes that the greatest potential for win-win solutions often lies where we fear confrontation. Embracing mediation and structured conflict resolution processes allows parties to express their interests, needs, and concerns openly. This promotes understanding, facilitates compromise, and leads to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Liane Davey, in her book 'The Good Fight,' views conflict as a natural and fundamental component of any organisation. These strategies, rooted in science, can transform confrontations into constructive dialogues and opportunities for growth. Let's create workplaces where conflicts are managed effectively, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and success.