Here’s a bold statement: healthy conflict at work is a good thing! In fact, it promotes open communication, commitment, and improved productivity. In contrast, unhealthy conflict creates a hostile environment.
HR and Business Professionals know what unresolved conflict at work costs their organization. Additionally, they spend more than 2 1/2 hours per week trying to resolve these issues. In fact, this translates into a whopping $359 billion in losses of US companies every year!
Day-to-day stresses such as deadlines and competing priorities are a recipe for unhealthy conflict at work. In addition to this, combined with a myriad of personalities working together, adds to this negative environment.
Examples of Unhealthy Conflict at Work 
Besides this, the effects of unhealthy conflict at work can act as a deadly disease. Especially, within an organization or department if not dealt with immediately. Seemingly innocent water cooler talk can transform into ongoing gossip. And that negatively impacts the team.
Sarcastic interactions between two combative team members create discomfort for everyone in a meeting. Even the best intentions can be laced with miscommunication that results in tension and conflict.
Conflict at work consumes the HR manager’s time. They are forced to deal repeatedly with combative employees or people spending too much time gossiping. Regardless of the origin, conflict can bring any company’s productivity to a screeching halt. Besides this, unaddressed conflict erodes employee morale and wears out loyalty. Additionally, it wastes countless of lost hours. As a result, confidence in company leadership deteriorates. Even more, when not handled in a well-thought manner.
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.
In the first place, each one of us brings a certain communication style. In fact, we also bring a set of assumptions that influence the way we interact with one another. Through proven and time-tested techniques, Joyce Weiss has helped hundreds of companies over the past 30 years resolve conflicts. As a result, they learn new types of communication strategies. And, they positively impact overall company morale.
Joyce coaches CEOs, HR Professionals, and employees the skills needed to deal with bullies in the workplace. Even more, this allows employees from different generations to effectively communicate with each other.
The Approach
In the first place, Joyce starts the healthy conflict at work process by assessing the current situation through employee interviews. As a result, she identifies patterns and presents those findings to the necessary stakeholders.
Once the key problems are identified, you receive a customized plan of action. Within the plan are techniques that have been proven to work again and again. Above all, including Verbal Aikido, a powerful conflict resolution skill.
Joyce’s clients learn to communicate with confidence even when individuals don’t get along. Especially when there is bullying in the workplace. Additionally, they learn strategies on how to deal with sarcasm, negativity, retaliation, and silence.
Be Direct with Respect® is a skill that gives you control and focuses on results. And improved communication skills show the importance of respecting yourself and others. As a result, you create a win-win situation. Use tips on how to give constructive feedback in a positive and productive way. In addition to this, protect yourself from getting defensive when others “push your buttons.
There’s no reason to spend another minute not feeling heard or respected.
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. As a result, this evolved into workplace gossip. Even more, this consumed hours of time and hindered communication amongst the team. Joyce coached these individuals to understand how their comments negatively impacted the team and the company.
Conflict at Work Example 2: An uncomfortable silence had been plaguing staff meetings for months. Even more, team members felt as though they couldn’t voice their ideas. Additionally, the meeting became an expensive and unproductive exercise.
Above all, leaders learned how to encourage team members to build trust and use their voices. As a result, they immediately implemented Joyce’s verbal and nonverbal communication strategies.
Conflict at Work Example 3: A company merger brought in employees from their formerly competing companies to now join forces. As a consequence, tensions were starting to bubble to the surface. Joyce coached the new teams to help them recognize their conflicting personalities. And deal with healthy conflict to avoid a failed merger.
Over the past 30 years, Joyce Weiss has successfully worked with hundreds of clients. In fact, they 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 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™.
In fact, Joyce will meet with you and the other participants once per week for 6 weeks on Zoom. Transform your communication skills from feeling uncomfortable and unheard during tough conversations to feeling confident using your voice. Find your voice with Joyce!
This virtual course is perfect for HR and Business Professionals.
Joyce is the HR Professional’s Partner. She coaches employees and managers, to feel comfortable using their voice without losing their cool – so they feel heard and respected.
Joyce can create a virtual course personalized to your team’s specific needs.
Remember, you get what you tolerate!