Recently, I went to the bank to open some accounts.
The person behind the counter asked me what I do. It felt like standard small talk, so I casually said,"I work in workplace conflict management—plus leadership and team development."
He nodded thoughtfully. I smiled and added,"I like the conflict bit best."
We both laughed, and then he asked a question I get a lot: "So, what do you actually do to manage conflict?"
Great Question. Here's the Answer.
I told him: "I listen to people and make sure they feel heard. And I believe what they tell me—because that’s their truth."
In our work, this is where conflict resolution begins.Not with process. Not with mediation.But with presence. With listening. With believing.
When someone feels genuinely heard, their stress levels drop. And when that happens, they’re finally able to start thinking about what’s going on for the other person—not just defending themselves.
That shift opens the door for real, honest conversation. And from there, conflict begins to unravel.
Yes—Workplace Conflict Is More Common Than You Think
He nodded again, and asked, “Is there really that much conflict in workplaces?”
Short answer? Yes. But it doesn’t always look like a shouting match or all-out war.
Workplace conflict often shows up more quietly:
The colleague who’s been avoiding someone for weeks
That silent tension in the meeting room no one addresses
Passive-aggressive emails
Frustration over “small things” that are really symptoms of deeper resentment
A disengaged team that’s stopped speaking up or supporting each other
Workplace conflict isn't just loud. It’s also subtle, silent, and cumulative.
The Hidden Cost of Unresolved Conflict at Work
When unspoken frustrations or unresolved issues simmer below the surface, they don’t just disappear. They show up as:
Poor collaboration
Decreased productivity
Low morale and high turnover
A toxic culture where people protect themselves instead of each other
This is why proactive conflict management strategies matter. Because avoiding conflict doesn’t resolve it—it just allows it to grow roots.
So, What’s the Best Way to Resolve Workplace Conflict?
Interrupt it. Not by confronting it aggressively. But by stepping in with curiosity, compassion, and calm.
At The Huddle, our approach to workplace conflict resolution is built on human connection:
We listen deeply.
We create space for people to feel heard and safe.
We help uncover and challenge the assumptions that drive misunderstanding.
We facilitate meaningful conversations that move people from frustration to clarity.
Because when people stop avoiding, stop assuming, and start understanding each other, progress happens.
It’s not always fast. But it’s real. And it lasts.
Let’s Talk About What’s Not Being Said
If your team is feeling stuck, disconnected, or quietly tense, don’t wait for things to escalate.
We specialise in turning unspoken conflict into powerful, human-first transformation—for teams, leaders, and cultures.
Because the best way to move forward is to stop avoiding and start listening.
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