"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." This compelling phrase about teamwork was uttered by Michael Jordan, who knew all too well the importance of having a united team to achieve the objectives set. Hence, it comes as no surprise that a good atmosphere at work is the most important factor for 40% of staff, according to the Employee Measurement Index (IMEA), by Alares.
However, building committed teams with no types of conflict in the workplace is complicated, given that we spend an average of 38.5 hours a week at work, as the Spanish National Institute for Statistics (INE) notes. It is inevitable for disagreements to regularly arise, so the resolution of different types of conflict in the workplace should be used preventively and proactively if a good atmosphere is to be achieved at work, thus increasing productivity and overall performance.
A workplace dispute is any type of problem that arises within a professional context and which is strictly related to work matters. It is important not to confuse genuine conflict with what may be a personal or emotional reaction.
Given that many types of conflict tend to arise in any workplace, having the skills to train staff in conflict resolution is highly valued by companies. Thus, employees can work together more efficiently, because they will be equipped to quickly identify solutions for any problems that develop. In fact, there are several reasons why conflicts might arise in the workplace:
Although there is no magic formula to prevent the different types of conflict in the workplace, there are certain measures we can take to prevent them. Among the most notable steps that can be taken are:
Many types of conflict in the workplace can be foreseen if suitable measures are applied. However, others may also arise unexpectedly, making it difficult to act in time. In this scenario, the only option is to resolve the issue asap. To do so, it is essential to follow these steps:
Examples of workplace conflicts abound at almost all companies. Learning to identify and resolve them is crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of organisations.
Below, we outline some examples of typical conflict in the workplace and possible solutions:
Workplace conflict resolution is now a central issue for companies that have noticed how statistics point to a better working atmosphere increasing the happiness and productivity of its employees. Prevention, mediation and, above all, training are undoubtedly the most powerful weapons to prevent any type of conflict in the workplace.
Emotional intelligence, leadership, empathy, communications, decision-making and negotiating are some of the soft skills necessary for workplace conflict resolution, and in particular when managing a team.
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