There’s no question the challenges leaders have to address are growing year over year. Unfortunately, there’s one that’s not getting the attention it needs if organizations are to get the best from their employees. And that is the rise of conflicts in today’s workplaces.
According to one study, the time employees waste dealing with workplace conflicts has doubled since 2008. And the news gets worse for leaders as another study found that 75% of employees believe managers could be doing more to address workplace conflicts.
But here’s what makes this particular issue challenging for leaders – workplace conflict isn’t inherently bad. And as my guests Karin Hurt and David Dye explain in this episode of my “Leadership Biz Cafe” podcast, conflict can actually be used to foster clarity, connection, and stronger team cohesion.
Karin and David are the founders of Let’s Grow Leaders and the authors of three books, including their latest “Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict,” where they share practical, proven strategies for transforming conflict into productive conversations that strengthen rather than damage relationships.
Over the course of this episode, you’ll not only learn about the four dimensions of constructive conflict, but what Karin and David have identified through their research as being the 12 most effective phrases that actually work at resolving workplace conflicts.
More importantly, you’ll learn that the goal is not to eliminate conflict, but to learn how to use it as a tool to bring more clarity, curiosity, and connection to build stronger and collaborative teams to drive long-term growth and success.
Noteworthy links:
- Buy Karin and David’s book “Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict” on Amazon*
- Learn more about their work at Let’s Grow Leaders
* sponsored link that helps to support this podcast. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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I couldn’t agree more. People often avoid conflict in the workplace because it makes them uncomfortable. I think it is about setting the right culture where leaders feel confident to question, constructively criticise and to productively challenge each other. With the right culture teams grow and flourish.
Absolutely, Tara, and as Karin and David share in this episode, this requires intention and real effort from leaders to be mindful of how and what they communicate to their employees.
Studies have shown that while you might have an organizational-level culture, there are also micro-cultures found within teams. And that stems from how leaders influence the environment people work within, both through what they said and do, but also what they accept and tolerate from their team members.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Tara.