Confrontation is an aspect of leadership that many shy away from, yet it’s an inevitable part of managing a team. The American Management Association suggests that managers spend approximately 24% of their time managing conflict. How leaders handle these situations can significantly impact team morale and productivity. Here are five effective tips for leading through conflict, even if it’s not your preferred aspect of leadership.
Prepare and Reflect Beforehand: Don’t go in unprepared. Reflect on the root causes of the conflict and the outcomes you wish to achieve. Preparation can transform confrontation from a battle into a problem-solving session.
Listen Actively and Empathetically: Listen more than you speak. Give all parties a chance to voice their perspectives. Active listening can often reveal a path to resolution.
Stay Calm and Maintain Neutrality: Keep emotions in check. A calm demeanor and neutral stance help defuse tension and set the tone for a constructive dialogue.
Seek Common Ground: Find the win-win. Identifying mutual interests or goals can turn adversaries into collaborators, working towards a shared solution.
Lead Towards a Resolution: Be the guiding force. Use the insights gained from listening and discussion to steer the team towards a resolution that’s accepted by all parties.
Confrontation need not be feared but can be navigated successfully with the right mindset and skills. These tips can help you lead through conflict with confidence and poise.
Lead From Within: True leadership is not about avoiding conflict but about facing it head-on with courage, empathy, and a firm resolve to find a solution that strengthens the team.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
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Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.