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The new paradigm of working from home has created new kinds of conflict in the workplace. Unfortunately, many business leaders responsible for addressing these conflicts lack the confidence and skills needed for successful de-escalation. With the right professional development training, leaders can help everyone on the team solve problems in this new standard.
The role of leadership training in conflict de-escalation
De-escalation of conflicts has always been an important skill for leaders, but many people feel uncomfortable facing problems directly. Leadership training programs can help instill the confidence and skills they need to deal with problems before they spiral out of control. It can even help employees resolve conflicts on their own.
Leadership training and development programs provide a crash course on exactly what skills are needed to effectively manage people and organizations, as well as opportunities to practice those skills. Most programs focus on four main areas: trust, intent, strategy, and communication. Participants also learn how setting intentions in the midst of conflict is important to develop empathy for all involved. Strong strategic and communication skills enable a solution-oriented mindset and help leaders to listen effectively through conflict.
The 3 Skills Needed to De-escalate Conflict
There are many types of conflict in the workplace, but there is a customizable procedure that helps in any situation. The following skills are essential for leaders to successfully de-escalate conflict.
1. Emotional Self Regulation
Those responsible for resolving conflicts must be calm at all times to ensure they see the situation clearly. So it is vital for leaders to be able to control their own emotions. Of emotional self regulation training teaches leaders the importance of pausing internally before responding to a conflict. A sober leader is more effective at de-escalation and resolution than leaders who let their emotions or hasty reactions get in the way.
2. Empathy
There is always more than one side to every story, and a conflict can only be truly resolved if all parties feel that they have been heard. Therefore, learning to practice empathy in the workplace is an important aspect of conflict de-escalation and conflict resolution training. Leaders should be open to hearing multiple points of view and try to empathize with them. When people see that you really care, they will trust you to help solve the problem and be more open to compromise. Once grievances are raised, empathy also clarifies one unifying truth: Everyone involved in the conflict just wants to feel better.
3. A solution-oriented mentality
When it comes to conflict de-escalation, it is much more effective to shift the focus to the solutions rather than dwelling on the problems. Solution-focused leaders encourage conflicting parties to enter into a dialogue about solutions and compromises to resolve the issue. They then help develop a plan and timeline to resolve the issue.
Given the wide range of skills leadership training teaches, these programs have broader applications than just teaching people the hard skills needed to be an effective leader. Developing leaders’ skills to de-escalate and resolve conflict is a great way to ensure the work environment is supportive for everyone.
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