Disagreements happen from time to time in any workplace. Minor or constructive disputes may work themselves out quickly, but when coworkers can’t seem to figure out a way to compromise or work through disagreements, emotions may intensify. The more time passes that an emotional conflict in the workplace isn’t resolved, the more it’s likely to worsen like a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger as it goes.
Free Consultation for Workplace ConflictMisunderstood Emotions
Conflict can trigger a wide range of emotions. As the dispute intensifies, so does the intensity of emotions people may be experiencing. People may feel confused, angry, frustrated, defiant and a myriad of other emotions. They sometimes misread the emotions being experienced by the other person, especially if they come from different cultural backgrounds. When people feel misunderstood or not heard, they may get even angrier or more frustrated.
Management Mistakes
It’s not uncommon for managers to try to ignore disputes between coworkers and to make the assumption that those in conflict will work things out. The problem is that conflict that isn’t being resolved tends to escalate. One or both of the individuals in conflict may become emotional. Managers are sometimes dismissive of emotional outbursts and may not realize the impact that volatile emotions may be having on those in conflict and everyone around them.
Productivity is Reduced
An ongoing conflict in the workplace is likely to affect productivity. The team members in conflict are putting a large amount of energy into trying to get their point across or get their own way, which means they aren’t being as productive as they could. The dispute is likely to also impact the productivity of others who work nearby if they’re distracted by raised voices or emotional outbursts.
Morale Plummets
Unresolved emotional conflict in the workplace may affect the morale of everyone on the team. When staff looks to management to intervene and that’s not happening, they lose respect for their manager, especially if they’ve pointed out there’s a problem and have been treated dismissively. There may be a feeling of tension in the air that makes people want to avoid showing up to the workplace. Absenteeism may increase and some team members may start looking for work elsewhere.
Solutions Become Elusive
Most people do their best to avoid losing control of their emotions in the workplace. When disagreements grow to the point that people are screaming or crying, it’s hard for them to be logical. Attempting to find a solution that works for everyone concerned may be unsuccessful until people are able to calm down since strong emotions can cloud logic.
Getting Involved in Emotional Conflict in the Workplace
If you’re in a leadership role and you’ve tried to ignore a conflict up to now but it’s getting worse, you may need to get involved. Arrange a meeting with those in conflict in an area where you’re not likely to be interrupted. Play the role of mediator and let each of those in conflict have a chance to express their side of the issue without allowing the other to interrupt. Take notes and repeat back to them what you’ve heard and how you see the issue. In many cases, having the opportunity to express their concerns or frustrations may be all that’s needed for people to calm down and come up with logical options to resolve their differences.
There may be situations in which coworkers have become so emotional they aren’t able to have a civil discussion. If that happens, you may need to involve HR or a mediator who has specialized training in conflict resolution.
Reach out to Pollack Peacebuilding Systems for more information on conflict resolution services or conflict coaching.
