Why are problem solving and conflict management important?

The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard) requires leaders to be competent to manage, lead and supervise workers in a way that is psychologically safe. One of the core aspects of psychologically safe leadership relates to effective solving of workplace problems and effective resolution of conflict.

What are problem solving and conflict management?

Effective problem solving involves supporting and requiring respectful, solution-focused approaches to challenges. Effective conflict management is conducted in a timely, inclusive and safe manner.

Why are problem solving and conflict management important?

There are many benefits to having people leaders effectively trained in problem solving and conflict management:

  • Helps ensure perceptions of fairness are sustained.
  • Keeps team morale high.
  • Enhances the likelihood that conflict becomes productive.
  • Workers are consistently held accountable for their actions.
  • Challenges can be addressed and resolved effectively.
  • Risk of more serious workplace issues is reduced.
  • The need for stress-related absences is reduced.

So, how do leaders improve their problem solving and conflict management skills in the workplace?

  1. Place high value on civility and fair treatment in the workplace.
  2. Never tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour, regardless of current workplace demands and stressors.
  3. Make efforts to hear from team members about any challenges they’re facing, and work with them towards solutions.
  4. Be aware of how workers are handling work demands. If the team is struggling to keep up with the workload, collaborate with workers to make adjustments.
  5. Check in regarding how team members are feeling after changes are made, to see if the adjustments made a positive impact.
  6. Offer support for workers during times of high stress or demand.

When conflicts do arise, deal with them promptly. Attempt to defuse tension. Listen to everyone involved and remain neutral. Do not allow disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour or communication. Come up with a solution that is as fair as possible and maintains the dignity of everyone involved.

Consider your individual and organizational strengths with respect to problem solving and conflict management, and steps that can be taken to enhance it.

Problem solving and conflict management is a key aspect of psychologically safe leadership from the Psychologically Safe Leadership Assessment (PSLA), an assessment tool developed by Dr. Joti Samra, MyWorkplaceHealth’s CEO & Founder, made for leaders to self-assess how they fare across five key domains of leadership, which align with the requirements of the CSA National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. These five domains are: communication and collaboration; social intelligence; problem solving and conflict management; security and safety; and fairness and integrity.