When people think of conflict, they often think of hostility, tension, confrontation, personality clashes and heated arguments. Disagreements can lead to minor bickering or outright blowups and everything in between, but conflict isn’t always bad. Conflict can be either destructive or productive, and productive conflict in the workplace can benefit the whole company.
It’s inevitable that conflict is going to happen sooner or later at any workplace, but that does not mean that there has to be divisiveness or uncontrolled anger. The goal isn’t to avoid all conflict but to find healthy and productive ways to work through differences.
Free Consultation for Workplace ConflictProductive Conflict Versus Destructive Conflict
The word “conflict” is usually used to refer to arguments and disagreements in which people are angry and frustrated. In this type of conflict, the longer those in conflict argue, the further they are from a resolution. Tension escalates and both parties feel like they aren’t being heard. In the workplace, when destructive conflict is going on, other staff members that are nearby are affected and not in a good way. Morale plummets, absenteeism increases and some people may start to look for employment in another organization.
Productive conflict is much different. People can voice opinions that aren’t in sync, and their thoughts, concerns and ideas are listened to rather than being judged. While destructive conflict is unproductive and hinders a peaceful work environment, productive conflict means everyone practices emotional control and stays focused on finding a solution to the disagreement.
Benefits of Productive Conflict
How can productive conflict in the workplace benefit your organization? Some of the benefits of productive conflict in the workplace include:
- It helps team members confront issues rather than ignoring them.
- It helps team members practice communication skills and learn from each other.
- It can stimulate innovative ideas.
- It brings doubts and concerns to light.
- It lets team members know that their opinion matters.
When people aren’t afraid to voice dissenting opinions, it’s possible to get to the other side of conflict and find solutions that work. Welcoming differences of opinion can benefit everyone involved.
Working Toward a Peaceful Workplace
In the workplace, when team members recognize that they truly are on the same team, conflict can be productive. There’s no need for one side to win and another to lose. What everyone needs to work toward is what’s good for the team and/or the company.
A peaceful work environment does not mean never having any disagreements. Attempting to avoid all disagreements means people feel they can not express what’s on their minds. Staff should be encouraged to say what is on their minds and to have healthy debates, but they should always treat each other with respect and there should never be personal attacks.
Recognizing When Conflict Has Stopped Being Productive
Even when productive conflict is encouraged, there may be times when conflict stops being productive. Tempers are rising and those that are in conflict have stopped listening to each other. As a leader, you may need to intervene. Meet with those in conflict in a private location and find out what is causing things to spiral out of control. Work together to find a productive solution. Look for common ground and focus on the problem, not on the individuals.
In destructive conflict, arguments may be repetitive and difficult to resolve. Encouraging staff to have open and honest discussions promotes productivity and strengthens working relationships. Mutual respect is imperative for productive conflict in the workplace. Leaders need to strive to transform destructive conflict into productive conflict.
Reach out to Pollack Peacebuilding Systems for conflict skills coaching and conflict resolution training.
