What would be possible if leaders were able to manage conflicts better? 

One of the main reasons for conflicts is to be found in the diversity at the workplace that shows itself in many different ways. Every one of us humans is simply different from another individual. What is actually a good thing can also lead to incomprehension – for example, if someone sees or approaches things very differently than I would do. This creates tension.

Conflicts are a matter of decision

Where the path leads from this tension, however, is a matter of conscious decision. If I don’t do anything, there is a high probability of misunderstanding, mistrust, rejection, and ultimately conflict. Alternatively, I can consciously choose to show understanding. Because confident conflict management is the ability to be in each other’s face without scratching each other’s skins.

Every conflict is both an opportunity and a risk.

Conflicts can also have a positive side, however: They may lead to new insights and creative ideas or simply serve to clarify differences. Just like after a summer storm, after a successfully resolved conflict, the air is clear again – because differences have been sorted out and you can continue on a new basis.

Conflicts may also escalate through various escalation stages in an infertile vicious circle, however, up to a common leap into the abyss – in the figurative sense, of course. It is therefore sensible and important to identify conflicts at an early stage and to tackle them decisively. 

How can emerging conflicts be identified at an early stage?

Generally, the quality of communication decreases. It may well be that voices are raised, the tone changes, that sarcasm is included in the discussion. Terms such as “but” may be used more and more frequently, for example in a meeting. “But” signals resistance. “But” actually means I don’t agree. As a result, the common goal is lost from sight, perception is distorted, and attitudes are increasingly dominated by mistrust. Only if you recognize at an early stage that a conflict is imminent, can you really intervene and exert influence in order to avert the conflict if possible.

Find out in the next blog how you can deal with conflicts specifically or how to anticipate them.