Leading Through Conflict: How to Maintain a Positive and Productive Team Environment
Victoria Canham CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
Performance Consultant helping you & your team be better leaders, better humans & all round happier people using Coaching, Facilitation & Mediation. We can also chat about who you think is the best fly half in the game.
The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.— Thomas Crum
Leadership can be tricky, we’re not taught how to lead at university and those management classes teach you management principles and models, not the practical application of dealing with real, live humans, with real personalities, opinions and emotions.?
Let's face it, because of all those personalities, opinions and emotions, conflict happens. Even in the most amazing teams, with the best intentions, disagreements can pop up. And for high-performing leaders, like you, these clashes can feel disruptive, threatening to the joy and productivity you've cultivated.
But fear not, conflict doesn't have to derail your dream of a joyful, productive team. Conflict doesn't have to be a setback. When managed effectively, it can be a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Understanding Conflict
We are wired to seek harmony. So, when conflict arises, it can feel disruptive and stressful. But what if we saw it differently? Conflict isn't inherently negative. It can highlight issues that need addressing and encourage diverse perspectives that can lead to innovation.?
However, and this is a biggy, unmanaged conflict can erode trust, diminish morale, and reduce productivity. The key is to navigate through conflict effectively, maintaining a positive and productive team environment.
As a leader, your role is crucial in determining the outcome.
From Frustration to Focused Discussion: My Top Tips
You've built a team of high achievers, people who've overcome setbacks and are committed to success. But here's the thing: high achievers sometimes have strong opinions!
As an accredited mediator and performance coach, I've seen my fair share of team squabbles!
The key is to channel that passion into a positive force. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you guide your team through conflict with ease:
Shifting Your Mindset
Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication
This is where things get interesting. We all know how important communication is, but when tensions are high, it can be easy to shut down. Here's how to create a safe space for your team to truly be heard:
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Mediate the Conflict
Celebrate Resolution and Growth
When conflict is resolved constructively, take a moment to acknowledge the team's effort. This reinforces positive conflict resolution practices and strengthens team spirit.
Case Study: The Marketing Mishap
Let me share a real-life example. I once worked with a marketing team where a disagreement over a campaign concept almost derailed the entire project. The designer felt their creative vision wasn't being heard, while the copywriter felt the design didn't align with the target audience.
By facilitating a conversation focused on "I" statements and exploring each other's concerns, they realised they both wanted the best outcome for the campaign. Ultimately, they reached a compromise that incorporated elements of both visions. Not only was the campaign a success, but the team emerged with a newfound respect for each other's perspectives.
The Path Forward
Remember:
Leading through conflict takes courage, but the rewards are immense. You've overcome challenges before, and you will again. Leading through conflict is another hurdle on your path to building a happy, high-performing and successful team. Embrace the opportunity to grow together and celebrate the resilience you've all built.
Ready to Transform Conflict into Collaboration?
Leading through conflict requires skill, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience that strengthens your team.
If you're looking for more guidance on navigating conflict or building a high-performing team, I'd love to chat! Book a free discovery call with me , and let's discuss how I can help you create a joyful, productive work environment where everyone thrives.
Remember, a happy team is a high-performing team! So, let's get that conflict working for you, not against you.