Disagreements are part and parcel of our human nature. Unless you are living alone in a remote
forest with no connection to civilization, you must have disagreed with plenty of things. When
you put more than one person in a shared space, disagreements, whether minor or major, are
bound to happen.
Why Workplace Conflict Occurs
Workplace conflict can stem from diverse sources. There is literally no end to the reasons.
However, these are the primary reasons for most workspace conflicts.
Clashing Personalities
Just like outside the office, personalities can grate on each other. Different working styles,
communication preferences, and temperaments can lead to friction. For some people, taking
vacation may seem like the biggest crime while for some, working overtime is an unbearable
thought.
Misaligned Goals
When team members or departments have competing objectives, conflict can arise over
resources, priorities, or recognition. Usually, leads have a big role to play in this. One of the
most famous examples of misaligned goals is the difference between sales and marketing team.
Communication Failures
Poor communication fuels a host of problems. Misunderstandings, lack of clarity, and
passive-aggressive behaviors can quickly escalate into conflict. This issue can line up directly
with the first issue.
Feeling Unheard
Employees who believe their voices aren’t valued or their contributions aren’t recognized may
become resentful or disengaged, leading to tensions within the team.
Limited Resources
Scarcity, whether it’s budget cuts, tight deadlines, or vying for promotions, can create a
competitive and potentially hostile atmosphere.
The Impacts of Unresolved Conflict
Conflicts are natural. Leaving them out in the open, letting them fester and not tending to them
is unnatural. It can lead to severe issues. Conflict isn’t inherently bad. Constructively managed
disagreements can spark innovation and better solutions. However, left unchecked, workplace
conflict carries heavy costs.
Plummeting Morale
A tense and hostile environment saps motivation and job satisfaction. Increased stress and
anxiety become the norm. The best performers no longer care, and can leave the company
anytime.
Lost Productivity
Conflict creates distractions. Time is wasted on gossip, strategizing against the ‘other side’ and
avoiding necessary collaboration. Nobody wants to work in a conflicted environment.
Talent Drain
High performers often leave toxic workplaces. Organizations then suffer the costs of lost
expertise and the need to recruit and retrain. This can be a serious issue if you are hiring new
talent every few months.
Reputational Damage
Internal conflicts can manifest in poor customer service or client relationships, harming the
company’s reputation.
Potential for Escalation
In extreme cases, unresolved conflict can spill over into bullying, harassment, or even legal
disputes.
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