Conflict

Don't feel like you have to

If there is a disagreement, you are more likely to be able to solve the problem if you don’t lose control of your emotions.

Don’t let yourself get sucked in.

I know—easier said than done.

If you feel like you are about to throw a laptop through the conference room window, perhaps it’s time for a coffee break. If you feel like continuing the discussion is going to permanently damage the relationship, step back for a few minutes and take a walk around the block. If someone else is spewing chaotic, angry energy all over the rest of your team, bring them into a different room and give them something to work on solo.

As leaders, we can’t just ignore it and hope things will work themselves out. If there is a conflict on our team or with someone who interacts with our team, we need to work to bring people back to a calmer, more rational state before we will be able to resolve the issues. Talk to the involved parties individually (as long as you can keep your own emotions under control). Have your team member’s backs, but also guide them to a different solution if they are in the wrong.

(image source: https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/f6bkuu/something_i_wish_i_had_known_decades_ago_you_dont/)