Conflict is common in the workplace. Here, I dive into the most common disagreements and how you can prevent them from happening.

1. D A R L E N E B E R L I N E R
T H E M O S T C O M M O N
E M P L O Y E E
D I S A G R E E M E N T S

2. Conflict is most often defined as a
disagreement or opposition regarding
other’s interests or ideas. Whenever
people work together, no matter the
setting, conflict of some sort is likely to
occur. Conflict is a very natural and
normal part of the workplace. However,
conflict is not always a negative
occurrence. When handled properly,
conflict within an organization
encourages growth, bonding, and results
in a more positive environment for all.

3. While avoiding conflict is often perceived
as the easiest way to alleviate these
tensions, avoidance does not chase
conflict from the workplace. Instead, all
conflicts must be addressed effectively
and timely, otherwise an organization
likely will find the very same tensions
manifest themselves and re-emerge later,
often as stronger and more complicated
areas of opposition.

4. By being aware of the most common
types of employee conflict, and actively
working to resolve these forms of
resistance, employers are able to
maintain a supportive and inclusive work
environment for all.

5. While some associates enjoy working
through one task at a time for consistency,
other associates prefer to put their head
down, and dig in until multiple assignments
are finished simultaneously. Some workers
perform better in an independent
environment, while others enjoy team-
oriented approaches. Employers must work
to understand each team member’s work
style in order to provide appropriate
training and workload assignments.
Work Style Differences

6. Leadership conflict can be found in any size
business. Some leaders may be very hands-
on, specific, and direct regarding their
expectations, and yet others employ a “sink
or swim” management philosophy. While the
leaders themselves take no issue with their
differing work styles, employees may feel
unfairly disadvantaged as they must learn
the management style of each leader,
often at multiple levels, in efforts to avoid
conflict.
Leadership Conflict

7. To combat potential dissension within
employees, companies must focus on
creating core values and a corporate
culture that encourages openness, inclusion,
and harmony. If handled correctly, the
culture and values of a corporation will
assist workers in decision making, and
facilitate overall involvement within the
organization.
Leadership Conflict
Continued...

8. There comes a time when employees must work
together on projects. When the implementation
and completion of a task requires cooperation,
employees can find themselves locked in an
interdependence conflict. To diffuse tensions,
the team leader must clarify and explain each
individual’s role, and associated responsibilities,
such that workers understand their personal
contributions, other team member
contributions, and the mission of the
team as a whole.
Interdependence
Conflict

9. Conflict is likely to happen in any work
environment. But knowing what signs to
look for, and the potential conflicts that
can arise, will help you diffuse situations
before they even appear.

10. F O R M O R E , V I S I T :
D A R L E N E B E R L I N E R . N E T
T H A N K S F O R
R E A D I N G !