Workplace ConflictConflict is an inevitable part of business life and not all conflict is negative. Most people would agree that where there are people there is conflict.
Some workplace conflict is healthy and if viewed positively can be an opportunity and catharsis for you and your business to effect positive change! It’s all how you think about it.
However where unhealthy conflict raises its head repeatedly this has potential risk to cause your business negative consequences. These negative consequences can have far reaching effects and added costs to your bottom line if not nipped in
bud quickly.
Common causes of workplace conflict may include
• Poor communications
• Mushroom effect – no one knows what’s happening around here
• Unrealistic work expectations
• Overwork
• Stress
• Personality clashes (a lack of ability to get on or want to get one with people different from you)
• Favouritism
• Poor leadership
Communication is glue that holds relationships together in your business. Your employees want to feel valued and know that you are interested in them. Poor communication is number one topic raised by employees in questionnaires conducted in workplace.
Negative stress has power to cripple your business! Sometimes as a business owner you may allow referred stress (our personal stress) to be transferred unwittingly on your employees. This is likely to lead to your business experiencing negative consequences of friction, decreased morale and potentially employees may undermine your business.
