May 2013: Nip Conflict in the Bud
/Business is nothing but a mass of relationships: people working with people. And whenever that happens, conflict naturally arises. Sometimes it’s based on a tangible disagreement about a strategy or approach. Other times, it comes from a simple unresolved misunderstanding.
Working in an increasingly flat and diverse environment means that there are infinite opportunities for stylistic and cultural misunderstandings. A direct, cut-to-the chase communication style might be interpreted as attacking; a less direct style might be considered sneaky. One might assume that because a person behaves a certain way, it means they’re being intentionally difficult or that their intentions are less than honorable.
Left unaddressed, these types of assumptions can turn into full-blown conflicts that can erode trust, teamwork, and performance. As a leader, it is crucial that you step up to these situations and expect your people to do the same. Demonstrate courageous conversations about the behavior you’re observing – and its impact. Seek to understand where the other person is coming from. By having the right real conversation, you can turn the misunderstanding into a moment of enlightenment that strengthens the relationship and enhances teamwork.
PRWeb, September 2016
Susan Tardanico, CEO of the Authentic Leadership Alliance and Executive in Residence at the Center for Creative Leadership, will speak and moderate a panel on “Courageous Leadership in the New Normal” at the annual WICT (Women in Cable Television) Leadership Conference on September 19 in New York City.