Conflict Management

Despite how we might approach it as impersonal at times, the workplace is HIGHLY relational. All relationships will inevitably experience conflict. Avoiding conflict can seem like the best thing to do, however high performing teams are able to engage often in conflict that is healthy and productive. We support leaders and teams in understanding the underlying tensions that are creating unhealthy conflict in the workplace to create real and sustainable change. 

For example, leaders are constantly in the tension of supporting the relational nature of team building while still holding the team accountable to achieving results. Become too relational, and no work gets done. Push too hard for results, and the team dynamic is destroyed. We teach and support our clients to be able to be BOTH relational AND task oriented. This is only one of many tensions leaders must attend to for sustainable success. When negative and unproductive conflict arises, it is critical to utilize these tensions to create more positive ways of experiencing the conflict, and creating positive outcomes.

We work with leaders and teams using Polarity Thinking™ to understand and leverage these paradoxical tensions, also called Polarities. A few key tensions we help teams navigate are:

Individual Needs & Team Needs
Accountability & Support
Task & Relationship
Intent & Impact
Work Life & Home Life