Avoid Conflict by Setting Clear Expectations
The best way to manage conflict is to avoid it altogether. I do not mean ignore it or fail to recognize it. I mean to set yourself up to not have conflicts in the first place. Setting clear expectations upfront eliminates most disputes that come from not knowing exactly what to do or what someone is looking for.
One of the best resources for not only leading effectively but avoiding the potential for conflicts with a member of your team is the best-selling leadership book The One Minute Manager. Goal setting is not just about productivity and getting more done; it is about knowing what is expected and finding support along the journey toward those goals.
To reduce or even eliminate any conflict regarding performance, there are some steps you can take, all of which will also help your team members be successful and reach their full potential.
Set Goals
Take time to work with your team to set effective goals. I have previously written about the value of setting goals and building them as SMARTER goals. Doing this in conjunction with the members of your team will bring clarity to all involved. As you and your team agree to what will be specifically achieved, what the measurable components will be, what is achievable and reasonable, and the timeline for those accomplishments, you build a map for understanding all the pieces that can generate conflict. When those agreements are established upfront, the only thing left to do is work towards that agreed-upon outcome.
Reinforce the right behaviors
The biggest role you play as a leader is catching people doing things right. This is how you can help to reward and recognize your team for the positives they are contributing to the team. This is an excellent way to generate engagement. Your team will feel supported and successful as you guide them towards achieving the plan you created together.
Coach and redirect
These two actions are distinctly different. I do not see coaching as a fluffy way to say ‘counsel’ or ‘discipline’. Coaching is the act of observing behavior and providing feedback and insight about how you may be able to achieve greater success. For individuals that have strayed from their established path for achieving their goals, redirection may be necessary. Again, this does not and should not be a negative experience initially. We all lose our way occasionally, and being nudged back onto the correct path is a necessary and supportive function that every leader will play.
There are times that conflict may be necessary to help a team learn, grow, and expand for the future. However, it does not need to be due to a lack of clearly defined goals and expectations. When conflicts occur for those reasons, it becomes unproductive and can be damaging to multiple relationships. It is incumbent on the leader to establish the expectations of the team as a whole as well as individuals. There must also be a general understanding that if there is a lack of clarity on anyone’s part that they can call a time out to ask for that clarity. This ensures that everyone is aligned on the expectations and path they are following. Doing so can ensure that there is no time wasted on wondering where you stand, or what you are supposed to be doing.
How can you work towards avoiding conflict due to a lack of clear expectations?
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