The Importance of Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict

Conflict triggers strong emotions, which can lead to hurt feelings and discomfort. When handled in an unhealthy manner, it can cause irreparable rifts and resentments. However, when conflict is resolved in a healthy way, it increases your understanding of the other person’s point of view, builds trust, and strengthens relationships.

Conflict occurs when two or more people have competing interests and are unable to meet each other’s needs. There are many different types of conflict, from verbal arguments to physical fights. It can happen between family members, coworkers, neighbors, or even strangers. Conflict can be both internal and external, and can arise from the setting of a story, such as the protagonist being chased in Jumanji. It can also be caused by an antagonist, which is a force working against the protagonist’s main desire.

The main purpose of conflict is to create tension, which is what keeps readers engaged with a story. Without conflict, a story can become boring or monotonous, and the reader may not feel invested in the characters. In addition to creating tension, conflict allows the protagonist to overcome obstacles, which makes them more likable and three-dimensional. Conflicts can also make a character more interesting by forcing them to act on their desires, even when it is not in their best interest.

A common misconception is that conflict should be avoided at all costs. This is often due to traumatic experiences from childhood or previous unhealthy relationships, and it can be self-fulfilling as the individual expects all disagreements to end badly and becomes defensive or angry in response to conflict. However, effective managers and teams encourage constructive conflict to help members identify and discuss issues that are not being addressed in the current work environment.

Constructive conflict can result in improved quality of decisions, increased communication and cooperation, and a broader range of perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions to problems. It can also lead to greater personal and professional development.

The key to a successful conflict resolution is ensuring that each party feels heard and understood, which can be difficult when the individuals involved are angry or upset. It is important to listen carefully to each person’s viewpoint and avoid making accusations or blaming one another.

Conflict is an essential part of a workplace, and it can be beneficial when it is approached in the right way. By allowing employees to express their views and ideas, conflict can create energy and focus on the tasks at hand. It can also allow employees to understand that not everyone will agree with them and that it is acceptable to have different opinions. In turn, this can improve morale and productivity in the workplace. Additionally, conflict can foster a sense of community within the team and lead to stronger working relationships. This in turn can lead to better performance and innovation. If the conflicts are not resolved, they can also lead to frustration and discontent amongst staff and may lead them to seek other employment.