Here's how you can navigate conflicts arising from differing opinions on small business decisions.

We all understand (or should understand) that preparation in painting is more important than actually putting on the paint. When it comes to small business decisions, listening is like the preparation in painting. Spend more energy listening than carrying out the decision and the decision will go smoothly.

Encourage open communication by creating a safe environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. Embrace diverse perspectives by actively listening to each individual's input and recognizing the value that different ideas and experiences bring to the discussion. Foster collaboration in decision-making by seeking consensus, exploring potential compromises, and focusing on the shared goals of the business.

Conflict is inevitable but division is not. Gathering the facts and reaching mutual resolutions is imperative when dealing with conflict. Taking sides only reinforces the conflict.

As it dawned on me, so the adage goes, "Open dialogue leads to better understanding and solutions." What worked for me: Provide a Safe Space: I made everyone comfortable enough to air their views without fear of judgment and thus foster honest discussions. Listen Actively: I listened more than I spoke, so I might get what was truly at the bottom of the disagreement. Find Solutions Together: This allowed ideas to surface that were enhancing decision-making and reinforcing team trust in a very positive manner. We ironed out conflicts through open discussions and creatively moved the business ahead together.

Use problem identification and resolution techniques. Using consensus decision making. Engage in fish bone analysis, organization mirroring among other conflict resolution techniques. Remember- conflicts arise from differences of opinion fostered by each person’s unique experiences. The objective is to find common ground. These techniques help to locate that commonality.

All decisions should be made within the framework of your business. Broadly the framework is your mission statement and your business plans. If all of your team players understand the game then they will more readily understand the goals and targets and if they have their own objectives in line with those of the business then what they want will be the same as the best for the business. If their objectives are not in line with those of the business then work needs to be done to align these or part company. Even when goals and values are aligned and shared other factors (eg office politics) can prevent everybody moving in the same direction. It takes more than a lifetime to perfect the art of aligning a workforce in this way.

Really important. It’s relatively easy to make less than optimal decisions in business so the review stage keeps your business honest and non-complacent. Constructive criticism is your business’s friend at this stage.