Conflict in the Workplace and How to Resolve It

Conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence that can arise from various factors such as differences in opinions, values, work styles, or personal conflicts.

It’s now especially important to consider the human aspect in organizations, after the traumas and diversions of the last couple of years, and the feelings of displacement and unsettlement felt globally, during and after the pandemic. Navigating the new normal, whether it’s office, remote, and now most likely, hybrid, work patterns can throw up more challenges, which is why consciousness of workforce expectations and satisfaction are vital for harmonious and productive environments.

Founder of the Radical Forgiveness work—best-selling author, Colin Tipping —visualized the concept of energy flow within a corporation and how it needs to be kept flowing and coined the term ‘Humenergy‘ to encapsulate what he felt was the problem.

What is Humenergy?

‘Constituting the very lifeblood of an organization are the four main forms of energy flowing through it — money, data, materials and “humenergy.” If the flow of any one of these forms of energy is impeded, the organization suffers greatly. The first three, being subject to measurement and control, are easily managed. Humenergy is not. Yet, we know it to be extremely harmful.’

Humenergy is the subtle and largely unconscious material that every individual brings to work and acts out — usually to the great detriment of the organization. Humenergy is so subtle it does not yield to traditional conflict resolution procedures and will create problems at all levels within the organization. It is a problem for which, up until now, there has been no answer.

Colin developed a simple, low-cost methodology to neutralize harmful humenergy, that utilizes what everyone has in equal abundance — spiritual intelligence.

The benefits that result from its use include:
• A significant reduction in incidents of conflict, dissent, discord, sabotage, cynicism, racial tension, negativity, absenteeism, turnover and attrition.
• A significant increase in morale, job satisfaction, loyalty, cooperative team spirit, productivity and profit.

So how does Spiritual Intelligence help with Conflict Resolution?

Spiritual intelligence, which encompasses qualities like self-awareness, empathy, and compassion, can play a significant role in addressing and resolving conflicts. A few examples of how spiritual intelligence can be applied in workplace conflict situations include:

1. Active listening and empathy: During a conflict, individuals with spiritual intelligence actively listen to others involved and try to understand their perspectives and emotions. They show empathy and demonstrate genuine concern for the well-being of all parties. By fostering open communication and empathetic understanding, conflicts can be resolved more effectively.
2. Cultivating a positive work environment: Spiritual intelligence encourages individuals to create a positive and harmonious work environment. This involves fostering a sense of unity, respect, and support among colleagues. When conflicts arise, individuals with spiritual intelligence promote an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, making it easier to address and resolve issues in a constructive manner.
3. Emotional regulation and mindfulness: Spiritual intelligence emphasizes the ability to manage emotions and remain calm in challenging situations. When conflict arises, individuals with spiritual intelligence practice self-awareness and self-regulation to prevent their emotions from escalating the conflict further. They engage in mindfulness techniques to stay present, composed, and focused on finding mutually beneficial solutions.
4. Seeking common ground and win-win solutions: Spiritual intelligence encourages individuals to focus on finding common ground and seeking win-win solutions during conflicts. Rather than approaching conflicts with a competitive mindset, individuals with spiritual intelligence look for ways to collaborate, compromise, and find mutually beneficial outcomes. This approach fosters cooperation and fosters long-term relationships within the workplace.
5. Forgiveness and letting go: In situations where conflicts have already occurred, spiritual intelligence emphasizes forgiveness and letting go of grudges. Individuals with spiritual intelligence understand the importance of moving forward and maintaining positive relationships. They practice forgiveness and let go of past conflicts, allowing for healing and creating a more harmonious work environment.

It’s important to note that spiritual intelligence is just one aspect of addressing workplace conflicts, and a comprehensive approach should also include effective communication, conflict resolution strategies, and management support. By incorporating spiritual intelligence into conflict resolution processes, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate conflicts with compassion, understanding, and a focus on building positive relationships.