Is latent conflict lurking in your team?

With problems in the economy, uncertainty over AI, looming organisational restructures and efficiency savings, the conditions are ripe for latent conflict in our workplaces.

What is latent conflict?

It's a situation where underlying tensions, differences, or disagreements exist between your team members, but the conflict isn't out in the open yet.

The tensions in the team are bubbling away, under the surface, and as a manager, you may be unaware of them.

Characteristics of Latent Conflict

1. Unspoken Tensions: The conflict is not openly acknowledged but can be felt through subtle cues, such as strained communication or avoidance. Look out for your team members who are not engaging in team activities as usual.
2. Potential for Escalation: If you avoid having conversations about tensions in the team its highly likely that you will be managing open conflict between team members at some point in the future.
3. Structural or Systemic Roots: Restructures, job losses, new processes, or a shift in power dynamics can all create the friction which leads to conflict.
4. Emotions: Team members who are resentful at being forced to return to the office, passed over for promotion, or unhappy about the expectation that they will just stay and finish work unpaid, are all providing the fuel for latent conflict.

Impact of Latent Conflict on your team

• Reduced Productivity: Hidden tensions can distract employees and reduce focus on their tasks.
• Low Morale: Employees may feel disengaged or demotivated if they perceive unresolved issues.

What can you do to manage Latent Conflict?

1. Don't ignore the simmering tensions. Instead up your communication. Bring these issues out into the open and encourage respectful dialogue. Role model the behaviours you want others to adopt.
2. Train your team leaders and managers in conflict resolution approaches. when you build these skills you are also building the confidence to handle these challenging situations.
3. Double down on values and team culture. Talk about the need for psychological safety in teams. In other words role-model respect, deep listening and non-judgemental behaviours.

If you would like to explore these issues in a fun immersive workshop, then sign up to the waitlist for our next free forum theatre workshop - which is all about managing conflict.

Managing Conflict Forum Theatre Workshop WAITLIST