The past two years have forced almost every business to opt for a hybrid work environment. And, like any other change, there have been some bumps, particularly when it comes to conflict management. Conflict is part of the work environment. Although conflict management in the hybrid work model can be challenging.
According to Dr. Sarah Skidmore, “ As businesses and teams shifted from office only to remote only or hybrid work, the way things were done transformed and continued to transform. And any time transformation occurs, there is an opportunity for conflict.”
If you want your team to opt for positive work culture, it is important to effectively manage conflicts as a great leader. If you want your team to thrive, then keep on reading the blogs. In this blog, we will learn about conflict management and what exactly you have to do to manage conflict in hybrid teams.
What is Conflict Management?
Conflict management is a strategy for addressing interpersonal tensions and disagreements as a result of poor communication. It is the process of dealing with diverging opinions, objectives, and needs. Conflict happens, but managing it needs some skills.
Conflict Management Strategies For Hybrid Teams
No team leader or manager wants negative and unruly conflict in their organization. Are you one of them? Here are some strategies that will help you with conflict management in your hybrid organization.
Setting Clear Expectations
A lack of clarity can create issues in hybrid teams. If employees don’t know their responsibility, and what is expected from them, it will lead to conflicts as both individuals and as a team.
According to Erica Keswin, workplace strategist and author of Bring Your Human to Work, “ If the hybrid team is a new team, have a kick-off meeting and talk through roles, responsibilities and potential areas for conflict.” Therefore, the best way to manage conflict on your team is to set clear expectations.
Create Trustworthy Atmosphere
Trust is the essence. A lack of trust can create conflict! Trust is important for in-person teams and hybrid teams. A trustworthy workplace means your employees feel secure in their job, which in turn reduces turnover.
According to Atkins, “Leaders of high-performing teams keep conflict constructive by delivering an environment of trust and safety to speak up and to be heard.” Team members tolerate the tension and respond to productivity because they believe the leader has the greater good in mind.”
Be An Active Listener
Whenever there is a conflict, each person involved should be allowed to express their feelings without interruption. You must pay attention to the other person very carefully and then pass the verdict. Being an active listener will encourage them to continue speaking so that you can get the necessary information.
Recognize Employees Contribution
Employees are motivated by recognition because it reinforces the behaviors that drive organizational excellence. According to Keswin, “There is a risk of remote employees being out of sight, out of mind.”This can lead to conflicts in the team. Therefore, you have to be sure to praise the employee's contributions to the team.
You can schedule an impromptu lunch meeting to chat about the goals, progress, appreciation, and their contribution to the organization. The more recognition, effective feedback, appreciation, and acknowledgment you will give, the more your team will grow and feel confident.
Foster Communication
Communication is the key to solving any conflict. If the communication is strong, any company can thrive in a hybrid workplace. If you don’t foster communication between team members, then you are setting the stage for conflict within your hybrid team. Therefore, if you want your team to function effortlessly, you need to create opportunities for frequent communication.
What are the reasons for Conflict in Hybrid Work?
Here are a few reasons for conflict in a hybrid workplace.
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The difference in personality.
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Miscommunication.
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Different styles of working.
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Poor management.
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Workplace politics.
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Contract of employment.
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Discrimination.
Why is Conflict Management Important?
Following are the importance of conflict management in hybrid teams.
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Increase team performance and productivity.
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Improves leadership.
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Increases innovation and creativity.
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Higher employee retention rates.
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Reduce employee stress.
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Increase workplace communication and collaboration.
Skills Required for Conflict Management
Here are a few skills that are required for effective conflict management.
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Communication.
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Emotional Intelligence.
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Empathy.
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Creative problem-solving.
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Impartiality.
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Positivity.
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Being Present.
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Intuitiveness.
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Decision making.
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Collaboration.
Conclusion
Conflict management is an essential part of being a great leader. Lindred Green, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business, says that remote coworkers can’t see the context of the person who they are engaging in conflict with. Conflict in virtual teams is more likely to be negative for performance and is more likely to escalate. Therefore, opt for the above strategies and develop the skills to make your business successful.
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