Conflict surrounds us in nearly every workplace. Spotting conflict and recognizing how to manage it is an important skill for all employees.
Do you know when a conflict is about to erupt? In many cases employees fail to read the warning signs of conflict. Keeping in mind that not all conflict is bad, and that typically bad or harmful conflict is really mismanaged conflict, we can watch for conflict that is about to erupt. Here are a few warning signs:
Body language – Changes in facial expressions, especially looking away, tightened lips, narrowing or raising eyebrows. Arms crossed, changes in leg position when sitting, and stepping back or turning away.
Tone – Listen carefully for feeling. Increased volume (level), changes in pitch higher or lower, crackling or wavering.
Words – Anger words, blaming, speed of delivery (faster, more rapid), referencing the past or unrelated issues.
Our ability to read the signs of conflict can drastically improve our workplace effectiveness. In fact, the ability to spot conflict is often considered to be part of our emotional intelligence. Many workplace issues are emotionally charged, those who watch carefully for emerging conflict and then utilize their problem solving or negotiation skills to manage the situation will have stronger more committed workplace relationships. Can you spot conflict?
Dennis, great points. Unfortunately too many workplace issues are emotionally charged with not enough emotional intelligence developed in each of us to recognize and address.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing sometimes how many "messages" are right in front of us, but yet we fail to see them. Sometimes it seems that we also misread the message which can of course cause additional complications.
ReplyDeleteDennis,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I appreciate the specific body language signals. My EQ is going up already.
Thanks,
Chris
Emotional intelligence is such a significant part of our interactions with other people! From my experience having skills in this area, or the lack of skills in this area, can make a significant difference on our interactions with others. It seems that people who have less awareness, encounter more harmful conflict. Perhaps they are not "reading" the signals.
ReplyDelete