When there are a group of people working together, conflicts are likely to occur. As peaceful as you would like your office to be, there will be conflicts in your business. Responses to behavioural interview questions do not guarantee the same thing to happen. As business owners, we are often expected to deal with unravelling negative dynamics. But how do we deal with conflicts in the business?
We have highlighted twelve tips to avoid conflict at the workplace
Twelve Tips to Avoid Conflict in the Business
- Know the people in your team as individuals, their birthdays, interests, families, career aspirations
- Develop a culture of trust and confidence in your decision-making, rather than just compliance.
- Delegate appropriately and authentically
- Empower your team to take appropriate responsibility for their work processes
- Ensure that your HR function is fit for purpose.
- Learn the skill of Active Listening, rather than waiting for an opportunity to speak
- Develop a culture of appropriately respectful communication and behaviours.
- Understand the implications, appropriateness, and relevance of the various forms of Conflict Resolution, including Grievance Procedure, Misconduct, Dismissals, Mediation and Employment Tribunals.
- Understand your legal responsibilities as a business owner.
- Entrust your team with an appreciation of your Business Strategy.
- Promote a credible staff suggestion scheme.
- Be a Leader, not a Boss.
Why is it important for a business owner to resolve conflicts
Being the senior decision-maker in your business does not mean that it is your responsibility to know every aspect of the business or to be the best at everything.
Rather, it is your responsibility to develop your team so that they can give their best quality of performance, enhancing the reputation of your brand with customers.
Your working life is a significant part of your life but neglecting the reasons you are in business, to begin with, will erode your commitment to it.
Workplace conflict occurs most often because of poor behaviours and communication that develop into any of the following:
Formal Procedures, (e.g., grievance procedures, disciplinary actions, employment tribunals,) produce a situation of ‘winners ‘and ‘losers.
Mediation is a process that can repair fractured business relationships, save your business stress, time, and money, and protect and enhance your business reputation.
This blog was written by Anthony Munday who specialises in transforming toxicity and trauma into tranquillity using tried and tested coaching and mediation skills. His expertise in Conflict Resolution and Mediation is based upon the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration (ACAS). Call Tony at 07905868058 or email: tony@achievesuccess.org.uk.
If you would like to book a free business coaching session with award winning business coaches, then call us at 01442773310 or email westherts@actioncoach.co.uk
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