Clash of the Titans - Navigating Workplace Differences and Conflicts

An increasing number of organisations demand their employees to be innovative. Regular jobs can now be completed by a bot thanks to the development of AI; however, AI is not able to generate original ideas. If they are not already, inventive problem solvers will be highly sought after in the very near future! Diversity and opposing viewpoints in the workplace are two things that foster innovation. However, there is a good likelihood that conflicts and a poisonous work culture will also arise from this diversity and disagreement. So how can you foster diversity and critical thinking without getting pulled to the dark side?

Adam Grant, Organisational Psychologist, and writer says, “You don’t have to agree with what people think, to learn from how they think. You don’t have to share their identity to be curious about what shaped it.” Understanding what drives our different thoughts is the first step to having a healthy work relationship with your colleagues.

Generational differences are the most crucial one to take into account. These days, we work in offices where four, sometimes even five, generations of people interact for the first time. The times and environments in which they were raised have an impact on their work styles, motivations, communication patterns, and expectations about getting feedback. If you want to know how Indian history in the 20th century shaped the Boomers, GenXers, Millenials and GenYs, read this blog about generational differences. For real-world examples and insights from each generation, listen to this amazing podcast featuring guests from each generation. (Thank you Asha Nirmal , Manjunath P R and Anirudh Siddharth for the awesome podcast!)

People differ not only in terms of generational differences but also in terms of underlying values or ideas. All other facets of their existence, such as their motivation at work, their ability to function as a team, and their response to pressure, are shaped by this underlying idea. This concept was incorporated into the Enneagram personality evaluation paradigm, which has 4,500-year origins. Briefly, Enneagram defines the following types,

·      The Perfectors: they strive for perfection in everything they do;

·      Helpers: they prioritise the needs of others;

·      Achievers: they are driven primarily by winning;

·      Deep Divers: they want to make a statement and stand out;

·      Observers: they value knowledge above all else;

·      Loyalists: they are committed to their cause and prefer safety;

·      Adventurers: they want to try everything on earth;

·      Challengers: they are driven to advance in everything they undertake; and

·      Peacekeepers: they want to keep the peace and get along with everyone.

Read this blog, which uses Harry Potter characters to explain these Enneagram types, to learn how to recognise and interact with each of these types of people!

People differ from one another because of these innate differences, which gives rise to differing views and opinions. Everybody can benefit from each other's diverse experiences and standpoints. However, disagreements can also occasionally result in confrontation, and if they persist, it will poison the workplace. There are several strategies you can employ as a leader to resolve disputes amicably and even constructively. There are various conflict resolution tactics you might employ, depending on whether you are being cooperative, assertive, or a combination of the two.

Accommodating – To guarantee that you develop a relationship, you yield your preferences in favour of the other person's.

Avoiding – When you choose to ignore the discussion entirely to avoid having to resolve the problem.

Collaborating – When you and other people actively discuss both of your ideas to determine which one best fits the given circumstance.  

Competing – When you firmly assert that your decision is the best one to make.

Compromising – When you find a middle ground based on everyone's suggestions.

These methods are useful in every context, but if you would want to learn more about them and see real-world examples from the perspective of project management, visit this blog.

Acknowledging and embracing workplace differences can pave the way for a more inclusive and harmonious environment. By understanding the unique perspectives and strengths that each individual brings to the table, organisations can harness the power of diversity to drive innovation and success. However, it's crucial to address conflicts that may arise from these differences with empathy, open communication, and a commitment to finding common ground. By fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and appreciation for diversity, workplaces can not only mitigate conflict but also thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.