Managing workplace conflicts is essential to fostering teamwork and maintaining organizational goals. It is inevitable for conflicts not to arise in a workplace. While this is a given, many reasons are responsible for such conflicts because people in general think differently, and so, there are bound to be instances of disagreements here and there. 

Causes of Workplace Conflicts 

Wherever human beings congregate, misunderstanding is bound to surface, and this, if not stemmed or nibbed in the bud, will give rise to dissatisfaction which will in turn cause a lot of problems for the organization. Below are some of the causes of workplace conflicts 

• Poor Communication 

One of the root causes of workplace conflicts is attributed to poor communication. When information is not properly conveyed, misunderstanding and confusion are not far-fetched. Poor communication will lead to confusion and it will hamper teamwork.

• Discrimination 

Kofi is a Ghanian, a migrant working in an I.T American organization where excellence is solely attributed to having  ‘white skin’. His input is viewed with less approval and the benefits that should easily accrue to him are left for other white-skinned workers who are less qualified than he is. This unconcealed treatment affected Kofi’s attitude. He begins to nurse resentment towards the job that he loves and his ‘fortunate’ counterparts. It led to disagreements, and later to full-blown conflicts. This affected his performance and eventually, he was shown the way out of the organization. Where discrimination thrives, conflict is enthroned, teamwork is left in jeopardy, and the organization is at  risk of collapse.

• Uneven Distribution of Tasks

Tom is completely overwhelmed with the workload he is assigned. While his colleagues clock out at five on the dot, he is at his desk, eyes on his computer screen, trying to balance his account. This makes him angry and he is left with the thought that his colleagues are not contributing as much to the organization as he does.

• Ineffective Leadership 

In the workplace, leadership is key. Where leadership is wanting, conflict is inevitable. Leadership is not about occupying positions of authority but how to use authority to foster teamwork, ensure a smooth running of an organization. 

• Lack of Recognition 

Conflicts often stems from lack of recognition for the effort you’re putting in for the organization. Ralph feels a sense of despondency when his efforts are not acknowledged. This is common to every man. You want to be recognized, applauded and even rewarded for your efforts. However, when this is not forthcoming, you feel neglected and your efforts wasted.

With the list above, how can a boss, a manager, manage workplace conflicts?

• Have an unbiased mind

As a boss, when conflicts ensue, it is good you don’t have a biased mind. If conflicts are to be resolved, no party is to be favored above the other. Even if there is a favorite among the conflicting parties, learn to hide it. Failure to do this will rather than resolve the conflict, it will escalate it.

• Reward Hard work

Rewards don’t have to be monetized. It can be in that word of encouragement or even appreciation to the staff or worker who has proved useful in contributing to the goals of the organization irrespective of race, colour or religious affiliations.

• Listen Actively 

One of the ways to quickly resolve workplace conflict is by intentional and active listening. Listen attentively to both parties before arriving at giving valid judgements.

• Avoid Discrimination 

Accept every worker with their unique differences, strength and weaknesses. Learn to maximize their strengths while managing their weaknesses.

• Distribute Work Evenly 

While it may not be possible for all members of staff to be performing at the same level or peak.  However, it is important to identify individual talents and capitalize on them to apportion tasks. That way, no one will feel neglected, abandoned or underused.

Workplace conflicts are inevitable and when they do happen, identifying the problem, and adopting the steps above will help to resolve the problem faster than you can imagine. 

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