Conflict: Its Impact On Business & Leadership

In Jim Collins landmark hit "Good to Great" culture was found to be the major differing factor between good and great organizations. Culture is ultimately the resonating energy throughout the enterprise. During my training to become a certified professional coach, I discovered that the most common culture in the USA resonates most often with level 2 energy. That's far from the greatest enterprises amongst us. Level 2 energy is catabolic or a tearing down energy force. It rots organizations from the inside, out.

How do you change business culture? Well, reducing conflict is a great place to start. It may originate in the leadership of individual teams or a handful of employees that may just need to find a new place to work. However, it often starts right at the head of the organization. The leader.

Conflict

When conflict is the most common resonating thought amongst the staff, a win lose mindset is often utilized. "It may not be best for the organization, but at least I won." The need to be right is very strong when team members communicate. Over time, this can lead to a mindset of dislike or hate for other team members.

In the greatest organizations, team members believe collaboration is a superior approach. WE came up with a superior solution.

Anger

The tone or core emotion becomes anger when conflict is the resonating thought process. As a leader, you may witness strong associated emotions including resentment, pride, greed, entitlement, and dissonance. These are red flags in your organization or on your teams.

Instead of anger, team members may choose compassion for others in great organizations. "How can I help you?"

Defiance

When conflict is the resonating thought and anger is the resonating emotion, defiance is the result. The tension will be high and staff will be stressed out! They may mention how frustrated they are and attempt to employ force to move forward.

In extreme contrast, great teams connect deeply and wisdom flows.

Leading With Conflict

Leaders that resonate most often with level 2 energy don't trust their staff. They may delegate, but they will micro-manage every detail. They tend to be highly judgmental of others and they want it done their way! When changes are made, there is no buy-in from those effected. Team members have little to no voice. As the old saying goes, you know what rolls down hill. So does conflict. And it spreads throughout the organization.

This approach with force can lead to getting things done, but it rarely lasts.

Impact

Staff and team members with be dissatisfied in their roles. Over time they will become unproductive. They will shift into level 1 energy repeatedly with a victim mentality. Turn over will be high as employees quit or the leader feels they need to be terminated.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that culture impacts the bottom line of your business, but it also impacts how you feel about yourself, those you lead, and your enterprise. It's just a far more anabolic existence in business! While I'm far from a perfect leader, I have learned over time to access the highest levels of anabolic energy in my leadership approach and it's a major game changer!! It creates trust, synergy, and flow.

Where may conflict be holding back your business?

Your Coach,

Todd