The Role of a Leader in Conflict Resolution
Tarif Zibran Arpon
P+ Assurance Leader | Compliance | Operational Excellence | Quality Auditing | Team Management | Investigation | MBA | Jahangirnagar University
The role of a leader in conflict resolution is so fundamental; it is that cementing force that not only guides the teams through hazards but also shares commonalities and develops a congenial atmosphere. Conflicts arise anytime and in any team because of disagreement over opinion, personality, or goal. On the other hand, when the leader comes into play with a reflected and unbiased attitude, he or she actually transforms these frictional moments into avenues for growth and better relations.
One major priority for leaders is to set up a framework that allows for open communication; team members should have the right and should feel safe to express concerns and points of view without any judgment. Leaders model respect for all voices, along with patience, by listening actively and empathetically to each side. They help frame conversations in the context of shared goals and values, emphasizing collaboration over competition.
Also, leaders need to understand what the root cause of the problem is, sometimes even before a conflict happens. A leader with high emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills can perceive where friction points are and facilitate a discussion that leads to a deeper understanding among team members and the resolution of current issues. In so doing, leaders can use conflict as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, building a trustful, cohesive, resilient culture.