Verbal Conflict into Opportunity:

Leaders and managers can turn verbal conflict into opportunity. There are several ways to identify possible verbal collisions and turn them into opportunities and collaboration. Collision doesn’t have to mean conflict.

There are some differences that can create quick collisions such as personality types and cultural differences. A way to prevent personality issues from dividing a team is by training everyone on hot to adapt to each other. If everyone understands how to access and react to different personalities, fewer conflicts will occur. Cultural differences can be handled much in the same way. Holding sessions where culturally diverse employees share information about their culture is a great step. Having sessions like these are also excellent team building activities.

Verbal conflict can also happen from educational differences. Sometimes employees with less education can feel insecure when interacting with more educated team members Likewise, employees with more education can think they are superior to others. In these cases, it is important the team leader or manager highlights everyone’s natural talents, strengths, and what they contribute to the team.

There are a few ways to shift from verbal conflict to working together. First, it helps to be mindful of accusatory words and assumptions. Saying “why are you trying to dominate” can be an inflammatory statement. Instead, it is better to ask about a person’s intentions and goals. Listening leads to understanding. It also helps to allow each person to clarify his/her view. Sharing views and opinions shifts people’s attitudes and allows them to work together better.

Differences don’t have to drive to conflict. Using these methods, initial collisions can be turned into working together for greater results.

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