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A practical guide to managing workplace conflict

We’ve all had those moments at work when certain interactions feel tense, and teamwork just isn’t flowing as it should. Conflict at work doesn’t always happen because people set out to cause problems. It’s often just a mix of different views, personalities, or communication styles that cause misunderstandings. The problem is that if these misunderstandings are left unchecked, they can affect not only the team, but the whole business. Even in teams that usually get along conflict is bound to happen sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. When handled carefully, it can actually bring people closer and even inspire new ideas.

At CPL Learning, we’re here to share strategies that make managing conflict easier. In this article, we’ll look at ways to handle workplace conflict so everyone feels heard and valued. From early intervention to practical communication skills, you’ll find tips to turn challenging moments into chances for growth.

Posted 13/03/2025

A Practical Guide to Managing Workplace Conflict

The importance of addressing conflict early

Conflict at work isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be incredibly expensive. Research shows it costs U.K. businesses about £28.5 billion each year due to lost productivity and higher staff turnover. When issues go unaddressed, they can make work feel unwelcoming and stressful, causing people to disengage or even leave. This leads to the loss of valuable team members, which in turn means dealing with the costs of finding and training new staff.

This presents some pretty significant challenges to business leaders, especially in busy industries like hospitality. Creating a space where people feel comfortable raising concerns helps keep teams strong and communication open. Addressing conflict early can lead to better relationships, higher morale, and a workplace where people feel valued and supported. Personal resilience training can be a great way to provide your team with the tools to help them maintain a positive mindset and manage their response to conflict.

When confronted early, and managed carefully, conflict can even be a surprising source of creativity. Teams who work through disagreements thoughtfully can often come away with new ideas and better solutions. For example, when team members feel safe to share different perspectives, it can lead to innovative approaches that might not emerge in regular discussions. Beyond the immediate benefits, fostering open dialogue around conflict also creates a lasting culture of trust, which can lead to stronger, more collaborative teams in the long run.

Understanding communication styles

When you’re looking for the best ways to handle workplace conflict, it’s important to understand that different people communicate in different ways. When conflicts arise, either between team members or between yourself and someone else, understanding the different styles can help you to connect better with each person involved and resolve issues faster. According to research from Harvard, most people fall into one of four main communication styles: analytical, intuitive, functional, or personal.

  • Analytical communicators prefer clear facts and data; they focus on getting the details right.

How to spot them: They’re likely to ask for specifics and tend to be thorough, often double-checking information and looking for evidence to back up decisions.

  • Intuitive communicators see the big picture; they like to keep things high-level and straightforward. 

How to spot them: They usually cut to the chase, avoid unnecessary details, and often talk about long-term goals or the “big picture.”

  • Functional communicators work best with a step-by-step approach; they value structure and process. 

How to spot them: They’re methodical and organised, often outlining plans in steps or asking about timelines and detailed processes.

  • Personal communicators are people-focused; they’re attentive to emotions and building connections. 

How to spot them: They’re usually warm and expressive, focusing on how people feel and fostering a positive environment.

Being aware of these styles and catering to the needs of the different people in the way you communicate can make conversations feel smoother and more supportive. Here are some ideas for how to communicate with each type, so everyone feels comfortable and valued:

  • With analytical communicators – Stick to the facts. They respond well to data and clear examples, which helps keep the conversation grounded.

  • With intuitive communicators – Keep it high-level and focus on the overall impact. They’ll appreciate knowing how resolving the conflict helps the bigger goals of the team or business.

  • With functional communicators – Break down the conversation into steps or a clear process. Giving them a roadmap makes it easier for them to feel comfortable and focused.

  • With personal communicators – Show empathy and acknowledge feelings. Personal communicators appreciate a warm, understanding tone, so take time to address the emotional side of the conflict.

Effective communication strategies

Certain strategies for communicating will work well across communication styles when it comes to keeping conversations respectful and constructive:

  1. Active listening – Give people the chance to speak fully, without interruptions. Feeling heard often makes everyone more open to working things out.

  2. Focus on the issue – Stay focused on the specific issue at hand. This keeps things from getting personal and helps everyone feel more at ease.

  3. Use “I” statements – Saying “I feel” or “I’ve noticed” helps people hear feedback without feeling defensive.

  4. Summarise key points – A quick recap at the end keeps everyone on the same page and prevents misunderstandings.

When we recognise each other’s communication styles and use these strategies, conflict becomes easier to handle. By creating a space where people feel comfortable speaking up, teams can work through challenges and build stronger connections along the way. For support in building an inclusive environment, unconscious bias training is designed to increase awareness and improve communication across diverse teams.

Take your conflict management skills to the next level

In this article, we’ve looked at ways to approach conflict thoughtfully, from spotting different communication styles to applying strategies that keep conversations respectful and focused. With these tools, conflict can become an opportunity to strengthen your team, build trust, and create a positive environment.

Consider how you currently manage conflict in your team: are there areas where these strategies could make a difference? If you’re ready to go deeper, our conflict management online course offers practical techniques for handling challenges and building a more connected workplace culture. With a focus on real-life scenarios and skills you can apply immediately, it’s the perfect way to enhance your conflict management approach and create long-lasting benefits for your team.