Conflict Management

moneyConflict in the workplace is inevitable. In just about any work setting, people with different personalities, goals, and values are bound to encounter situations where they will fallout.

Conflict isn't always a bad thing, but it can cause longer-term problems if not harnessed for the good of the individuals and/or company or if not dealt with quickly and effectively.

‘Globis helps companies think about ways in which conflict can be prevented through areas such as line management training, communication strategies and organisation development’.

Recent research undertaken by CEDR and the CBI found that conflict is costing British Businesses £33billion each year. Other key conclusions from the research were that;

  • 80 percent of disputes have a significant impact on the smooth running of business
  • Over a third of managers would rather parachute jump for the first time (35%) than address a problem with their team at work, and just under a third would rather shave their head for charity (27%). Some even said they would rather eat 'bush tucker' bugs for a week (8%)
  • Many managers do not feel comfortable addressing conflict. Half (49%) would rather attend an event at which they knew no one than tell a client a home truth and over two thirds (69%) would rather send back a bottle of wine in a restaurant than confront a boss's underperformance directly

Few managers, only 37%, feel trained to cope with business conflict. The lack of confidence in managers feeling prepared to deal with disputes is worrying.

 

Why does conflict need to be managed?

We all pay a heavy emotional price for unresolved conflict. This price includes not only emotional aggravation, but physical pain and illness. Research has found that conflict leads to being chronically pessimistic, irritated, cynical, depressed and anxious all of which increase the risk of contracting a major illness.

We also pay a heavy price for conflicts - not only individually and relationally but organisationally and socially - in litigation, strikes, reduction in productivity, poor morale, wasted time and resources, lost customers, dysfunctional relationships with colleagues destructive battles with competing departments stifling rules and regulations, gossip and rumours and reduced opportunities for team work, synergy, learning and change.