Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace, but how we manage it can significantly impact team dynamics and overall productivity. While our ego’s role is to protect us, overprotecting ourselves by being stubborn, resistant, or refusing to address recurring conflicts can be a hindrance and a major stumbling block. Effective team conflict resolution involves strategies that encourage self-awareness, self-reflection, understanding the reasons behind our attachments, and having the courage to address and release them. By doing so, we build a team that engages in personal development, enhances communication skills, and builds better relationships with ourselves and others in the workplace. The issues causing conflict really aren’t stumbling blocks, then; they’re humbling blocks.

Incorporating this mindset into team and leadership training is transformative. When leaders and team members embrace self-awareness and humility, they create a culture that fosters open communication and mutual respect. This approach aligns with the Anishinaabe tradition, which teaches The Seven Grandfather Teachings: truth, bravery, respect, love, honesty, wisdom, and humility. Each teaching is represented by an animal, with humility symbolized by the wolf, which lives for and within the pack. The wolf’s example teaches us to find balance within ourselves and recognize that all beings are equal. By adopting this principle, leaders can enhance team cohesion and performance.

Communication is key…

Communication through difficult times is an act of humility and an art that society is losing. Anything in the “difficult conversation” zone should be shared face-to-face, by video chat, or at least by phone, leaving less chance for misinterpretation and more opportunity for empathy and human connection. For leaders, fostering a culture where humility and open communication are valued can significantly reduce workplace conflict. Here’s how these principles can be applied in team and leadership training:

1. Self-Awareness and Reflection: Encourage team members to engage in regular self-reflection to understand their own triggers and behaviors in conflicts. Leaders can model this behavior by sharing their own reflections and growth.
   
2. Courage to Address Conflict: Train teams to approach conflict with a mindset of resolution rather than avoidance. This involves recognizing the underlying issues and addressing them openly and constructively. People will speak up if they feel comfortable doing so.
   
3. Humility in Leadership: Leaders should embody humility, recognizing that they are part of the team, not above it. This can be demonstrated by seeking feedback, admitting mistakes, and valuing each team member’s contributions. This will enhance individual leadership skills, especially when practiced as a team.
   
4. Effective Communication: Seek out training programs that emphasize face-to-face communication, especially for difficult conversations. Role-playing scenarios can help team members practice and gain confidence in their communication skills.
   
5. Supportive Culture: Create an environment where team members feel safe to express themselves and where empathy and understanding are prioritized. This involves regular team-building activities and open forums for discussion.

Transform conflict into growth

By integrating these principles into leadership and team training, organizations can transform conflict into a growth opportunity. Teams that communicate effectively and operate with humility are more resilient, innovative, and cohesive, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and productive workplace. If you’re unsure how to incorporate these practices for team conflict resolution, book a discovery call with me today. Managing and transforming conflict at your workplace begins with you, the leader. Take the step toward effective team conflict resolution today, and let’s unpack together.

With peace,

Penny

Learn the strategies that will help your team resolve conflict in the NEW workplace.

• Embrace, accept, and welcome conflicting values
• Understand the importance of collaborative relationships for career advancement
• Take responsibility to co-create a winning culture with productive and profitable results
• Empathize with coworkers and even competitors to be the leader others WANT to follow

Press Appearances:

• CEOWorld Magazine 
• Blue Heron Journal
• Mareo McCracken
• EverydayMBA, Host: Kevin Craine 
• Savvy Business
• Swimming in the Flood
• Get Down to Business
• HR.com Leadership Excellence
• Indian Management Magazine
• Crafting Solutions to Conflict
• Vantage Fit Podcast
• Stay tuned, more coming soon…