How to Empower Emerging Leaders to Manage Workplace Conflict
Workplace conflict is inevitable—whether it’s clashing personalities, miscommunications, or high-stress situations. But here’s the surprising part: nearly half of manager candidates lack effective conflict management skills, and only a small fraction (12%) demonstrate high proficiency in handling conflict, according to a September 2024 report by DDI. For businesses aiming to cultivate the next generation of leaders, this is a critical gap that needs to be addressed.
At SevenStar HR, we recognize the importance of developing strong conflict resolution skills in your workforce, which is why we offer specialized training to help both employees and emerging leaders thrive in these challenging situations.
The Conflict Management Gap: Why It Matters
When conflict in the workplace goes unmanaged, the ripple effects can be widespread. Unresolved conflict can stifle productivity, lower morale, and drive higher turnover rates. It’s not just about individual disagreements—it's about the overall health of the organization. Leaders who are not equipped to handle conflict can unintentionally escalate situations, leading to breakdowns in communication and collaboration across teams.
But here’s the good news: recognizing the need for improvement is the first step toward a solution. Around 30% of leaders are aware of their own limitations when it comes to managing conflict, which means there’s enormous potential for growth through targeted training.
Common Conflict Management Challenges Emerging Leaders Face
DDI’s report, which assessed more than 70,000 manager candidates globally, revealed some specific skill gaps that contribute to poor conflict management. Here are three key challenges new leaders face—and how to tackle them.
1. Clarifying the Core Issues
Over 60% of new managers struggle to identify and clarify the root causes of conflicts. Many assume they understand all the facts or guess at their employees’ motives, but this can lead to misunderstandings that worsen the situation.
How to Fix It: Leaders must learn to ask the right questions, actively listen, and gather all the necessary information before jumping to conclusions. At SevenStar HR, our Resolving Conflict training helps leaders develop these critical communication skills, ensuring they get to the heart of the issue without making assumptions.
2. Offering Support and Resources
Nearly 65% of managers find it difficult to provide adequate support and resources to their team during conflicts. This can stem from a lack of preparation or emotional intelligence, leading to ineffective resolution strategies that leave employees feeling unsupported.
How to Fix It: Building emotional intelligence and empathy is key. Through our Next Generation Leaders training, we focus on developing these softer skills, enabling future leaders to handle conflict with care, compassion, and the right resources. This boosts morale and helps prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
3. Empowering Team Members
60% of emerging leaders struggle to empower team members to take ownership of conflicts. When leaders step in too much, they often stifle the team’s ability to work through disagreements themselves, leading to a dependency on management for every minor dispute.
How to Fix It: Leaders need to encourage their team to collaborate on solutions and take responsibility for resolving conflicts. Training programs that focus on asking open-ended questions and involving team members in decision-making can transform the dynamics of conflict resolution. When team members feel empowered, it fosters a more positive and cohesive workplace culture.
Why Conflict Resolution Training is a Must for Future Leaders
Developing leaders who are proficient in conflict management is more important than ever in today’s workplace. Rising political tensions and increasing distrust of leadership are contributing to a more polarized work environment. It’s crucial for companies to train their leaders now, equipping them with the tools they need to handle conflicts effectively and maintain a positive work culture.
Our Next Generation Leaders training doesn’t just focus on conflict resolution—it’s about developing well-rounded, dynamic leaders who will drive your organization forward. By honing skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication, emerging leaders will be ready to handle tomorrow’s challenges head-on, ensuring a workplace where collaboration and productivity thrive.
Conclusion: Investing in Leadership Development Pays Off
While workplace conflict will always exist, companies can prevent it from becoming a major issue by developing strong conflict management skills in their leaders. Investing in training programs like Resolving Conflict for All Employees and Next Generation Leaders can empower your workforce to handle disagreements constructively, creating a healthier, more productive environment for everyone.
The future of your company depends on the leadership you develop today. By closing the conflict management gap, you’re not only helping your leaders grow—you’re ensuring your organization’s long-term success. Let’s turn conflict into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and stronger teams.