Should you avoid or face conflict in your business?

Have you ever had something that you were worried about because you have procrastinated on having the crucial conversation or phone call or sending that email that you just know is going to cause conflict with your customers, staff or manager? You delay telling them in the hope you can avoid it, but in the end, it just feels worst because you then start to worry about them being unhappy about how long it's taken for your to tell them! You can't avoid conflict in all situations. Yes, you can sometimes, but I argue it's better just to get it over and done with for everybody's sake. This blog article examines whether you should avoid or address conflict and tips to improve conflict management.

Should I avoid Conflict or address it?

Conflict is an inevitable part of any business relationship. Whether it's a disagreement between employees, between management and staff, or even between business partners, conflict is bound to happen.

There are two schools of thought when dealing with conflict in business. One school says that you should avoid conflict at all costs because it can damage relationships and lead to a loss of business. The other school says that conflict is unavoidable and that it can be beneficial to the business relationship.

So, which is the right approach? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both approaches.

Avoiding conflict might seem like the best way to protect your business relationships, but it can do more harm than good. When you avoid conflict, tension builds up and eventually explodes, often in a way that is much worse than if the conflict had been dealt with head-on. By avoiding conflict, you're also avoiding the opportunity to resolve the issue and move on.

Dealing with conflict head-on can be beneficial to your business relationships. It shows that you're willing to work through difficult and complex issues and value the relationship enough to invest the time and energy into resolving the conflict. Dealing with conflict also allows you to address the root of the problem rather than just sweeping it under the rug.

So, should you avoid conflict in your business? It depends on the situation. If the conflict is minor and can be quickly resolved, then it's probably not worth avoiding. However, if the conflict is bigger and more complex, it might be worth dealing with it head-on. Either way, the most important thing is to be respectful and professional in handling the conflict.

How do I improve conflict management?

Conflict management can be improved in several ways. Here are a few tips:

1. Don't take things personally. When conflict arises, it's important to remember that it's not about you as a person, it's about the issue at hand.
2. Be willing to compromise. In any business relationship, there will be times when you need to give and take. If both parties are willing to compromise, it's more likely that the conflict will be resolved.
3. Communicate openly and honestly. When communicating with someone you're in conflict with, it's essential to be clear and concise about what you're saying. Avoid using inflammatory language or making personal attacks. However, interpersonal and private conflicts should be kept confidential to the parties involved. For example, a conflict that occurs within meetings that do not involve everybody in that meeting should be 'side-barred' to discuss in private.
4. Seek professional help if needed. If the conflict is big and complex, it might be worth seeking professional help from a mediator or arbitrator. This can be especially helpful if the parties involved have difficulty communicating.

Further tips for managing conflict.

Conclusion

Conflict is an inevitable part of any business relationship, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. By managing conflict respectfully and professionally, you can strengthen your relationships and resolve issues in a way that benefits all parties involved.

References

https://www.clarke.edu/campus-life/health-wellness/counseling/articles-advice/tips-for-managing-conflict/

https://www.hrcloud.com/blog/7-tips-on-how-to-manage-and-resolve-conflict-in-the-workplace