Types of workplace conflicts and their solutions

Their are many different types of workplace conflicts. Here are the 5 main types of conflict.

1. Leadership Conflicts

Leaders are usually people who would intervene in workplace conflicts between employees. But what if the leaders themselves are the center and the cause of such drama? In fact, leadership conflicts are listed as one of the most popular types of workplace conflicts.

Each leader has different leadership styles and management styles. And each employee responds to those styles in different ways. This can result in conflicts between managers of different teams, or conflicts between leaders and team members.

Solutions

To prevent this from happening, you need to establish and strengthen mutual respect within the workplace. Be aware that everybody has a different working style, and adjust your management accordingly. Communicate clearly the differences to find out the common voice for everyone.

2. Creative Conflicts

While working in groups, conflicts regarding creativity and ideas are much likely to happen. Employees may come up with different ideas and have different reactions towards those ideas, which can lead to quarrels and competition.

Though dealing with ideas that are totally different or contradict yours is difficult, it can give the best solutions for your business.

Solutions

Once again, it’s important to build mutual respect within the team. Make sure everyone listens and comments on others’ ideas without being rude or disrespectful. This will help employees look at each idea from multiple perspectives, and select the best ideas for any project that they’re working on.

3. Work Style Conflicts

workplace conflicts can be solved by proper handle

Employees can quarrel when they don’t share similarities in how they work. We have different approaches to do things, and this will of course lead to conflicts.

Many people prefer to work alone and according to their own speed, knowledge, and skills. Others enjoy working in groups, giving their opinions, and collaborating with teammates. Some wait until the deadline to finish their work, while others submit their tasks early.

Solutions

Between two employees who are too different in how they work, it’s necessary to have a mediator who can reconcile and find out what works best for both sides.

Tell your staff that everyone enjoys a different working style, but the coordination between team members should be the priority. Encourage staff to learn to deal with each other’s differences and be cooperative for the success of the task.

4. Personality Conflicts

It’s obvious that people are different from each other. And we’re not going to get along with anyone we meet. We may run into someone whose personality clashes with us, and conflicts are much likely to happen.

Differences in perceptions and behaviors, underpinned by culture, religion, background, will also lead to differences in the way we see and behave towards other people.

Solutions

As a leader, you need to acquire strong mediation skills to understand each employee and give them advice. Then, convince them that each of us has different backgrounds and it’s important that they maintain respect and empathy for each other. That way, it can lead to good cooperation in a team.

In the long term, it’s important to set clear policies about conflict resolution and behavioral guidelines. Make sure all your employees know and understand the policies well. Training sessions about workplace diversity and emotional control are also a good idea to reduce personality-based conflicts in your business.

5. Task-Based Conflicts

There are many reasons for task-based conflicts. It could be a lack of coordination while working together, or someone delaying work, or ineffective communication leading to poor performance.

This not only affects the job but also can lead to more serious consequences, especially on the progress and success of the team.

Solutions

It’s important as a leader that you delegate tasks properly to everyone, and clarify their responsibilities in advance. By doing this, your employees will be aware of what’s expected of them, who they’re working with, and the importance of collaboration in completing the task.