Using Conflict to an Organization's Advantage

Challenge: What happens within organizations if conflict is not effectively managed?

• It leads to decline in productivity.
• It has destructive implications and fosters interpersonal tension.
• It dissipates the energy of teams and individuals.

How can managers turn conflict into a positive force?

• Support efforts to communicate constructive feedback and criticism.
• Clarify statements and eliminate jargon.
• Suggest alternative, positive language in place of destructive criticism and solutions.
• Request participants to adhere to boundaries and avoid emotional arguments.
• Insist that inappropriate behavior such as personal attacks or interruptions cease.

Overview/Description

Using Conflict to an Organization's Advantage explores how to manage conflict proactively, and turn it to a team's advantage in a project.

Target Audience

Individuals responsible for managing personnel either occasionally, for example as project managers, or more permanently as team leaders or line managers.