Here’s a bold statement: healthy conflict at work is a good thing!
Do you know how much-unresolved conflict at work costs?
HR and Business Professionals spend more than 2 1/2 hours per week trying to resolve conflict at work. This translates into $359 billion in losses of US companies every year!
The day-to-day stress in a workplace setting such as deadlines and competing priorities, combined with a myriad of personalities working together is the perfect recipe for unhealthy conflict at work. Each one of us brings a certain communication style and set of assumptions that influence the way we interact with one another.
There’s no reason to spend another minute not feeling heard or respected.
Examples of Unhealthy Conflict at Work 
The effects of unhealthy conflict at work can act as a deadly disease within an organization or department if not dealt with immediately. Seemingly innocent water cooler talk can transform into ongoing gossip that negatively impacts the team. Sarcastic interactions between two combative team members can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone in a meeting. Even the best intentions can be laced with miscommunication that results in tension and conflict.
Regardless of the origin of the conflict, it can bring any company’s productivity to a screeching halt if not addressed in a well-thought-out manner.
It can consume HR managers’ way too much time – when they are forced to repeatedly address two combative employees, people may spend time gossiping about an issue when they could be working, and conflict can lead to deteriorating confidence in the company leadership when not handled immediately.
Unaddressed conflict can erode employee morale, wear out loyalty, and waste countless hours.
The Solution
While unhealthy conflict at work may seem like an inevitable part of business, it doesn’t have to be. Healthy conflict at work is the key. Through proven and time-tested techniques, Joyce Weiss has helped hundreds of companies over the past 30 years resolve conflicts, learn new types of communication strategies, and positively impact overall company morale.
She can teach CEOs, HR Professionals, and employees the skills they need to successfully deal with bullies in the workplace and allow employees that come from different generations to effectively communicate with each other.
The Approach
Joyce will start the healthy conflict at work process by assessing the current situation through employee interviews. She will identify patterns and present those findings to the necessary stakeholders.
Once the key problems have been identified, you will receive a customized plan of action that includes techniques that have been proven to work again and again such as Verbal Aikido – a powerful conflict resolution skill.
Joyce’s clients learn how to communicate even when individuals don’t get along – especially when there is bullying in the workplace. They will learn strategies on how to deal with sarcasm, negativity, retaliation in the workplace, and silence.
Be Direct with Respect® is a skill that gives you control and focuses on results and improving communication skills. It creates a win-win situation and shows the importance of respecting yourself and others. You will use tips on how to give constructive feedback in a positive and productive way. The result is that you will know how to protect yourself from getting defensive when others “push your buttons.”
Examples
Below you will find past client examples where Joyce successfully guided them from unhealthy conflict to healthy conflict at work.
- Conflict at Work Example 1: Two employees had established a pattern of repeatedly saying rude and sarcastic remarks to the rest of the team. This evolved into workplace gossip that was consuming hours of time, as well as hindering communication amongst the team. Joyce was able to help these individuals understand how their comments were negatively impacting the team and the company.
- Conflict at Work Example 2: An uncomfortable silence had been plaguing staff meetings for months. Team members felt as though they couldn’t speak up with their ideas and thus it had become an expensive and unproductive meeting. Joyce helped the meeting leaders learn how to encourage team members to build trust and use their voices by teaching them verbal and nonverbal communication strategies.
- Conflict at Work Example 3: A company merger had forced employees from formerly competing companies to now join forces. Tensions were starting to bubble to the surface. Joyce was able to work with the newly formed teams to help them deal with healthy conflict and avoid a failed merger due to conflicting personalities priorities.
Joyce Weiss has successfully worked with hundreds of clients over the past 30 years to tackle extremely challenging situations both face to face and virtually.
Joyce is always available via phone or email to discuss the ways she can positively impact your team dynamics. Contact her today to schedule a call to discuss the options!
Kick Conflict to the Curb: Get the Respect and Peace YOU Deserve™ 6 Weeks Premier Online Communication & Coaching Course
Would you like to learn how to cultivate these skills in the comfort of your office or home in only 6 weeks? Learn more about Joyce’s premier online program, Kick Conflict to the Curb™, which will deliver all this information directly to your computer or mobile device plus Joyce will meet with you and the other participants once per week for 6 weeks on zoom to transform your communication skills from feeling uncomfortable and unheard during tough conversations to feeling confident using your voice. Find your voice with Joyce!
This is virtual course is perfect for HR and Business Professionals and small groups. Joyce can create a virtual course personalized to your team’s specific needs.
Remember, you get what you tolerate!