Communication and Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict is impossible to avoid in the workplace.  Whenever people are together, especially in tense or stressful situations, conflict is inevitable.  As a leader, it’s important you understand the main causes of workplace conflict and ways you can create a supportive atmosphere that equips team members for resolution rather than destruction.

Information and Communication

Think back on the times when you’ve been in conflict with a colleague.  Maybe someone failed to convey a vital piece of information that would have prevented an issue.  Perhaps information was not conveyed clearly or was inaccurate.  Misinformation, information failure, and misinterpretation are at the root of many workplace conflicts.

Clear, accurate and timely communication among members of the team is essential to preventing conflicts.  Yet many teams struggle to properly communicate and share mission critical information.  They simply lack the communication skills to get the message across in a way that is easily understood and acted upon.

Building Communication Skills

Rather than assuming your team has the type of communication skills it needs to avoid conflict, look for ways to build skills and an atmosphere of relaxed dialogue.  One of the best ways to do this is through informal moments of friendly competition and problem solving.  In times like these the pressure is low allowing natural, relaxed patterns of communication to form.

Trivia events encourage collaborative problem solving that helps build strong communication skills.  Participants work together in a relaxed way to solve problems and meet challenges.  Contact TrivWorks at (855) 874-8967 for a comprehensive consultation.  Let us help you plan a team building event that improves your team’s communication skills.