How can patience help you resolve team conflicts?

1 Understand the root cause

Before you jump to conclusions or react impulsively, take a moment to understand the root cause of the conflict. Is it a misunderstanding, a lack of communication, a clash of values, or a personal issue? By being patient and curious, you can avoid making assumptions and judgments that might escalate the situation. Instead, you can ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and empathize with the other person's perspective.

2 Choose your battles wisely

Not every conflict is worth your time and energy. Sometimes, it is better to let go of minor issues or agree to disagree than to insist on your point of view or force a resolution. By being patient and flexible, you can prioritize the common goals and interests of the team over your own ego or preferences. You can also recognize when a conflict is too complex or sensitive to be resolved by yourself, and seek help from a mediator or a manager.

3 Be respectful and constructive

Even if you disagree or feel frustrated with someone, you should always treat them with respect and professionalism. By being patient and polite, you can avoid saying or doing things that might hurt, offend, or provoke the other person. Instead, you can focus on expressing your feelings and needs in a constructive and assertive way, using "I" statements and avoiding blame or criticism. You can also acknowledge the other person's feelings and needs, and look for common ground and solutions.

4 Give and receive feedback

Feedback is essential for learning and improving as a team, but it can also be a source of conflict if it is not delivered or received properly. By being patient and open-minded, you can avoid getting defensive or angry when someone gives you feedback, and instead appreciate their intention and perspective. You can also ask for clarification, examples, and suggestions to understand their feedback better. Likewise, when you give feedback to someone, you should be patient and supportive, and use the sandwich method: start with something positive, then give your constructive feedback, and end with something positive again.

5 Celebrate and reward

Resolving team conflicts is not easy, and it requires patience and effort from everyone involved. That is why it is important to celebrate and reward the progress and outcomes of your conflict resolution process. By being patient and grateful, you can recognize and appreciate the contributions and achievements of each team member, and reinforce the positive behaviors and attitudes that helped you resolve the conflict. You can also use this opportunity to reflect on what you learned and how you can prevent or handle future conflicts better.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?