Effective Communication in Times of Conflict

What Happens When We Run Into Problems?

Effective communication and negotiation in the workplace allows for productivity.  When thoughts are expressed fluently and various ideas are thoroughly understood, issues are resolved and potential conflicts can be avoided. Lack of communication limits progress toward resolution and results in conflict and misunderstanding.

There are various causes of faulty communication in business, one of which is the pronounced differences in how two parties view their own culture or regard for gender.  This cross-cultural discrepancy not only generates potential faults in direct lines of communication, such as hampering the ability to speak and comprehend the same language, but it also emphasizes differences in behavior and the way business itself is conducted.   Men, for instance, may behave or react to certain situations in a different way than women.  This clash in styles can generate personality conflicts, personal dislike, or may even bring to the surface deeper issues of discrimination based upon gender or race.  

The important thing to do when you find yourself in such circumstances is to manage conflict.  Conflict is inevitable, but it is also manageable; and is not always negative. Functional conflict may, in the end, actually result in greater cohesion and productivity.  Effective communication is the most important means by which conflict can be minimized or avoided and is a key factor in running a successful business environment. ​