Transformation takes place before us daily. Sometimes in the simplest acts we take for granted or in ways we don’t recognize as transformation.
Cooking an egg – that’s a transformation we take for granted.
The liquid egg white and yolk touch a heated pan (conductive heat) or boiling water (convection heat) – and for a moment there is a conflict between the heat and the egg. Soon, however, the egg is transformed into a solid scrambled, fried or hard-boiled meal of deliciousness.
For those few short moments the egg is in the pan, a permanent change is being made. The egg is absorbing the heat energy and the proteins in the egg are being changed into a new substance.
Yet, it is still an egg.
It has transformed into a more desirable version of itself (according to those of us who like cooked eggs!). That’s the power of conflict!
The Power of Conflict in the Workplace
There are times in the work place when it feels like you – or your staff – are all sizzling in the pan. There is conflict in thought for policy, procedure, production or some other matter.
Typical causes of workplace conflict are:
- Poor communication
- Different workstyles and values
- Personality clashes
- Cultural differences
- Unhealthy competition
At times the reason for the conflict isn’t apparent. But something doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t, however, mean that it is wrong. What it needs is to be addressed and recognized for what it is.
Disagreement should not be combative. It shouldn’t be confrontational. There are healthy methods to use when faced with conflict in the workspace. Methods that can help everyone to grow.
Conflict should cause us to pause. To look at a situation and address the issue. Not to decide who is right or wrong – but to truly listen to the ideas being presented.
Workplace conflict can be viewed as a way to remove the obstacles that obscure your organization from being the best it can be.
Healthy conflict leads to questions and discussion, new ways of thinking, and innovative solutions to problems.
When you approach conflict as a way to make change and open discussion among your staff you:
- Shift patterns and identify difficulties that prevent your company from thriving. Thinking about ways to do things that are not familiar – and possibly testing them out – transforms thought processes to be open to new ways of doing business.
- Make better decisions – Being mindful and deliberate about resolving conflict and being open to new ideas automatically helps you to make better decisions. Taking sides without thinking it through causes disruption.
- Build confidence – As you truly listen and share ideas, you and your employees gain confidence in yourselves and in one another. Ideas come to light allowing you to begin to accomplish things you never thought you could.
The power of conflict is that it can be the best catalyst for change. Conflict in your office can be a transformative tool.
View it mindfully and thoughtfully to move your employees, department, and company to the next level.
To your best,
Angela
P.S. A holistic approach to moving ahead in your career or helping your employees to be the best they can be at their jobs is available to you. Learn more about private and group Corporate Mindfulness Training Programs. Click soon – I have limited dates available for the remainder of 2019.