Conflict doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. There are always warning signs that a conflict is developing.
We don’t mean conflict that is based on differences of opinion.
Creativity depends on that type of constructive conflict.
We’re focusing in on conflict that can be debilitating, affecting employee morale, performance, and even health.
Managers who know what these signs are can be more effective leaders by confronting the problem it becomes worse.
By understanding conflict in the early stages, your organization will run much more smoothly and overall productivity levels will be increased considerably.
According to Mark Batson Baril of Resologics, there are nine signs that indicate there is a problem brewing.
These are not the only signs, but they are the most common.
Keep in mind that anything that prohibits maximum productivity and positive interaction among employees and management is a sign that something is wrong and needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand.
- Dysfunctional meetings. Do staff meetings end up being gripe sessions instead of brainstorming sessions?
Are there some people who always seem to dominate the conversation while others appear annoyed or distracted?
2.Any Anger, but especially that which is an over-reaction, needs to be addressed immediately.
Anger is rarely the response for a first-time upset.
- Productivity slowdowns. When people are not happy with the work environment, they tend to focus less on their work.
Ask yourself if there has been a decline in the company’s productivity and try to pinpoint when it started.
- High turn-over.If employees aren’t sticking around, there is a good reason.
Nobody enjoys looking for a job, so the fact that people are leaving indicates an internal problem.
- Loss of trust. Trust is essential in any work environment, whether between employees or between employees and management.
If there seems to be distrust within the company, it needs to be addressed.
- Anxiety. Are there certain individuals who seem anxious or on edge most of the time?
Maybe they avoid social interactions, are always doubting their work or asking more than the normal amount of questions.
Anxiety is often an indicator that there may be an issue festering on an interpersonal level.
- Clique forming. Employees should be working as a team.
If there seems to be a division into cliques or the same employees always seem to team up on projects, then the company isn’t functioning as one body and is not being as productive as possible.
- Repetitive disagreements. Does it seem that the same employees always disagree?
Is the conflict often over petty matters?
There is a communication issue that needs to be confronted immediately.
- Inappropriate communications.This can be in the form of emails that are rude or use inappropriate language.
Rudeness in speech or a disregard for another’s opinion is an indicator that something is going to blow up soon.
If you happen to notice these or other indicators that trouble is brewing among your employees, do not assume that the issue will resolve itself – the situation needs to be addressed as early as possible by your team leader, HR staff, or yourself.
By being proactive about these early warning signs, you give your company a chance to continue to grow and run efficiently – and manage conflicts that could blow up and end up causing a loss of employees, productivity and money.
What are other indicators that conflict is brewing?
May your learning be sweet,
Deborah
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