Where people work together you cannot always prevent conflicts. You should resolve conflicts fast. Various reasons can make them happen. From having different values, to setting different priorities, to not working towards the same goal.

Often also communication plays a crucial role in avoiding conflicts.

How can coaching help with resolving conflicts at work

I see two main paths in which a leadership coach can support you with conflicts:

1. Prevention: Firstly, working with a coach will give you more awareness for your role and your presence as a leader. It will give you tools and strategies to be more effective but also in ways of working with your team. This will support you in creating not only a more successful but also more resilient team. With this the happiness should increase also. Coaching will help leaders improve in communication as well as help them with emotional intelligence.

2. Resolving conflicts: Despite prevention efforts, conflicts may still arise and come as a surprise. When they emerge, it is crucial to address and resolve them . Conflicts detract from productivity, diverting attention from important tasks and hindering effective teamwork. Resolving conflicts minimises the energy drain and enables focus and collaboration.

The need for a neutral, strong mediator

When faced with a team conflict immediate action is needed. Time is not on your side. To resolve conflicts, a neutral third party can be more successful than an internal individual. The advantage lies in their impartiality and lack of dependencies with those involved. And that is essential.

You can have an experienced coach coming in or work with a mediator. Depending on experiences and knowledge. Anyone providing such services must have a formal education in place. In addition it’s necessary that they follow a structured process. Their training in conflict resolution is important.

As a manager be aware that it takes willingness from all to enter this process. Moreover, it takes a readiness to be vulnerable and face potential criticism to get to a better place. Resolving conflicts is not a process with a quick solution.

Looking for support? Let’s talk.

Here’s a helpful article by Harvard Law School.