Some small business owners try to avoid conflicts and even discourage it. By avoiding conflict there is no information exchange, so they end up poorly informed about what is going on in the business. Constructive conflict can generate many advantages if it occurs when a certain disagreement is handled professionally. Win-win solutions are the result, according to the Open Forum’s website.
1. Brainstorming
No idea is a bad idea- Organize meetings with the entire staff on a regular basis. Collect as many ideas as possible. Once a nontraditional, creative thought is spoken, it can spur an avalanche effect.
2. Culture of acceptance
In order to enable constructive conflict, it is vital to develop a culture where not only successes, but also attempts are appreciated. Deconstruct success, it will allow you to replicate it. When you see a problem, don’t try to assign blame, but urge understanding of the cause.
3. Start a discussion
Present a situation that will generate conflict and then encourage group discussion. Business leaders are there to frame issues and raise questions. Every person in the room replies and expresses his or her opinion. Such an opportunity to share proposals and opinions can lead to unexpected changes for the better. You should intervene when certain groups attacks each other instead being focused on the issue. Steer people back to the primary topic.
4. Trust your team
Rely on your employees. You hired them, so you probably believe that their skills will bring value to your business. Trust their ideas, because they can be more constructive than you think.
5. Practice
In our lives, conflicts arise every day. Some people are uncomfortable, because they do have not enough self confidence. Such confidence comes with experience. It is important to learn, when it is about business, not to take rejections personally.
-jk-