conflict resolution

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Feedback Skills That Strengthen Teams

8th July 2025

Giving feedback doesn’t have to feel like walking on eggshells. When done right, it should build trust, not tension CREDIT: keep reading

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How to Reset Your Career Compass

3rd July 2025

If your professional goals feel more like your team’s to-do list, it might be time to re-centre your own ambitions keep reading

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The Art of Effective Negotiation

5th June 2025

Negotiation isn’t about winning – it’s a strategic dialogue aimed at creating value and building lasting relationships CREDIT: This is keep reading

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but with the right strategies in place, organisations can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, collaboration and stronger team dynamics CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on MTD Training Effective conflict resolution is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workplace. By fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding, teams can work through disagreements constructively. This not only strengthens interpersonal relationships but also enhances overall team performance. Here are some strategies to encourage positive conflict resolution and create a more cohesive work environment. Encouraging Team Activities Regular team-building exercises are an effective way to strengthen interpersonal relationships, making it easier to resolve conflicts and fostering greater collaboration. Activities like collaborative problem-solving games encourage teams to work together to tackle challenging puzzles or scenarios, promoting cooperation and shared decision-making. Communication workshops, which focus on active listening, non-verbal cues and clear communication, further enhance mutual understanding and improve team dynamics. These exercises collectively boost group coherence, making it easier to navigate conflicts and improve overall teamwork. Recognising Positive Resolution Recognising and rewarding employees who handle conflicts constructively can inspire others to adopt similar approaches. Additionally, rewarding teams that successfully navigate conflict, especially during periods of change, reinforces a positive organisational culture. Team outings and social celebrations are great ways to acknowledge their resilience and dedication during challenging times. Public recognition or even small incentives can further emphasise the importance of positive conflict management, helping to embed these behaviours into the fabric of the organisation. Encouraging Empathy Empathy plays a crucial role in conflict resolution by enabling individuals to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. When team members actively practice empathy, they are better equipped to recognise each other's needs, concerns and emotions, which fosters a more supportive and cooperative work environment. This understanding helps to de-escalate tension and paves the way for more thoughtful and compassionate solutions to conflicts. One effective way to cultivate empathy within teams is through workplace shadowing. By allowing employees to experience each other's roles firsthand, they gain a deeper insight into the challenges and responsibilities their colleagues face daily. This not only broadens their understanding but also highlights any barriers or difficulties that may be contributing to workplace friction. Using a Mediator When conflicts become too challenging to resolve within the team, bringing in a neutral third party, like a mediator, can help steer the conversation towards a productive outcome. Mediators play an important role by guiding discussions objectively, ensuring that both parties are heard and working towards a fair resolution. This is particularly valuable in situations where personal animosities arise or in more complex scenarios like redundancies and other significant organisational changes. Their expertise helps manage sensitive issues and fosters a collaborative environment for resolution. By encouraging team activities, recognising positive conflict resolution, promoting empathy and using mediators, when necessary, organisations can build stronger, more collaborative teams. These practices help create a supportive work environment where conflicts are resolved constructively, leading to improved teamwork and productivity.

Four Ways to Encourage Positive Conflict Resolution

18th February 2025

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but with the right strategies in place, organisations can turn these challenges into opportunities keep reading

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The Power of Social Skills Training for Managers

21st January 2025

Social skills training (SST) can be a powerful tool for managers and leaders looking to enhance their communication, build stronger keep reading

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Navigating Challenging Conversations More Effectively

15th October 2024

Navigating difficult conversations can be a daunting task for many managers, with a recent study showing that 57% would actively keep reading

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Calming Conflict: Managing Resentment within Your Team

10th October 2024

Navigating team conflicts is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. Discover practical strategies for managers to identify keep reading

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Counting the cost: How mediation can save billions

4th July 2024

According to Acas research, workplace conflict in the UK could cost nearly £30 billion annually. That’s a staggering amount of keep reading

Why you should speak up in the workplace

22nd October 2021

Speaking up about wrongdoing or incompetence can be scary – but you’ll regret it if you don’t says Jim Detert, keep reading

Dealing with someone who is passive aggressive

28th May 2021

Struggling to know how to respond to an awkward person in your life? Unspoken tension and passive aggressive behaviour can keep reading