Expert strategies for resolving conflict in remote work

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Essential toolkit for professional dispute management.

Buffer's survey found that the most common sources of conflict in remote work are work stress (25%), lack of teamwork (25%), and rude behavior (22%). Other causes include lack of transparency/honesty about something important (18%), clash of values (9%), and false accusations (2%).

Regardless of location, teams will inevitably encounter workplace conflicts. Remote professionals are not exempt, as 81% have experienced conflicts in their work lives. A study by Owl Labs found that remote workers are twice as likely to experience miscommunication as on-site workers. 

However, resolving these conflicts presents unique challenges for remote teams. Limited face-to-face interaction increases the likelihood of miscommunication, which can cause lingering issues and disrupt team dynamics. Buffer's survey showed that communication was the biggest challenge for 20% of remote workers.  

If you're dealing with conflict in the workplace, there's no need to worry. You can use strategies to manage and resolve it professionally.

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⏰ Why addressing issues ASAP is key.

When it comes to workplace conflict, ignoring it is NOT the answer. Trust us, we've seen it all before - unresolved issues that bubble under the surface, building up and spreading like a nasty virus. Whether or not your team operates in a virtual environment, addressing conflicts promptly is essential to prevent them from spiraling out of control.

Address the issue with the other party involved as soon as possible and follow up to ensure that everyone is on board with the resolution and there are no lingering negative feelings. You can nip conflicts in the bud by swiftly acting and communicating effectively. 

🚀 Tackling issues head-on is essential. 

Conflicts are bound to happen in any workplace, but here's a little secret: the key to resolving them is preventing them in the first place. By proactively seeking out potential conflict areas and taking decisive action, you can stop conflicts from happening.

In fact, studies have shown that organizations with a strong conflict prevention culture have significantly fewer conflicts and a more positive work environment. And when disputes do arise, dealing with them quickly can help minimize their severity and prevent them from escalating into more significant issues.

That's why taking the time to identify and understand natural tensions in the workplace can go a long way in preventing unnecessary conflicts. So don't wait for conflicts to arise, be proactive and take control of the situation.

🤨 Understanding the WIIFM factor.

To prevent conflicts, it is crucial to understand the motivations of other professionals by considering their WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) position. 

By doing so, you can take the necessary steps to help your colleagues achieve their goals, which can ultimately help you avoid potential conflicts. 

Approaching conflicts from the perspective of helping others can make conflict resolution a smoother process. By focusing on achieving the best outcome for all parties involved, you can overcome any obstacles that may arise during conflict resolution.

🗣️ Clear and effective communication goes a long way.

 It's essential to be clear, direct, and specific in your communication to avoid making assumptions. Failure to do so can result in conflicts that could have been avoided. Research shows that almost half of all conflicts between employers and employees were resolved through discussion and attempted resolution.

 Whether it's a lack of information, poor information, or misinformation, communication breakdowns are a common cause of workplace conflicts. By prioritizing clear and effective communication, remote teams can minimize misunderstandings and prevent disputes from arising in the first place.

💻 Step away from the computer.

In a virtual work setting, it is common to become engrossed in work and neglect to take breaks, leading to potential conflicts due to feeling overburdened and stressed. To avoid this, taking breaks throughout the day is crucial, even if only for a brief period. Stepping away from your computer and going for a short walk can help refresh your mind and improve your perspective. 

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✍️ QUOTE OF THE WEEK

🇺🇸 “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means” - Ronald Reagan, American politician and the 40th president of the United States.

🇧🇷 “Paz não é ausência de conflito, é a capacidade de lidar com o conflito por meios pacíficos.” 

🌎 “La paz no es la ausencia de conflicto, es la capacidad de manejar el conflicto por medios pacíficos.” 

Conflict is an inevitable part of professional life. While avoiding conflicts may not always be possible, handling them peacefully is a skill all professionals should strive to develop.

It is worth noting that conflicts can also bring positive change and growth to an organization. However, managing them effectively is crucial to avoid negative consequences.

In conclusion, the ability to handle conflicts peacefully is essential for professionals. It requires developing various skills, including communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and finding common ground. 

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition! Have questions or topic suggestions? Let's chat! Remember to check out our Discord channel, where you can join a thriving community of 750+ LATAM professionals who discuss career tips and networking opportunities. We're here to help you soar to the top. 

Stephanie Cerf - Head of Community at TECLA.