Many of us weren’t taught the essential skills needed to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships. Growing up, the models we observed for handling conflict often involved authoritative demands for quick apologies, which prioritized immediate resolution over true understanding, or advice to simply avoid conflict by not making a fuss, which, while avoiding immediate discomfort, does not address root causes or facilitate the healing of underlying issues.
These traditional approaches to relationship repair indicate a broader cultural reluctance to engage in deep reconciliation and highlight a critical lack of necessary skills such as empathy, open communication, and the ability to express genuine remorse. But this goes beyond just managing conflicts as they arise.
At The Humphrey Group, we often see the impact of these challenges firsthand. Working with our clients, we help them develop the skills necessary to build robust professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and transparent communication. In professional environments, this involves creating a culture where team members feel secure to voice concerns and view conflicts as opportunities for collective growth and improvement.
In professional settings, leaders play a crucial role in establishing a culture that values open communication and trust. This can be achieved by being transparent in their actions and consistent in their responses to conflict.
Leaders should encourage team members to share their thoughts and feelings openly, without judgment. This can be facilitated through regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and creating multiple channels for feedback.
Rather than avoid conflict, organizations should embrace it as a catalyst for innovation and improvement. This involves redefining conflict as a normal and necessary part of any relationship – including in the workplace – and leaders should openly model this for their teams.
It’s also important to be proactive. Don’t wait for a conflict to come up. In times of harmony, make sure you are encouraging a mindset that can see the potential for transforming potential conflicts into productive discussions.
Consider a situation where a manager notices tension between two team members who have differing opinions on the direction of a project. Instead of instructing them to put their feelings aside and work together, the manager facilitates a conversation where each person can express their perspectives. This approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also builds a stronger, more understanding team dynamic. It can also lead to innovative solutions that might not have been considered otherwise.
Functional relationships and conflict resolution are skills. To build a sustainable environment where professional relationships can thrive in good times, and effectively manage conflicts as they come up, it’s essential to equip employees with the necessary skills.
Provide training in areas like communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence can empower individuals to handle interpersonal challenges more adeptly. These training programs should not only focus on the theory but also offer practical, real-world scenarios that allow employees to practice these skills in a controlled setting. By investing in the development of these crucial skills, organizations set the groundwork for more resilient and adaptable teams.
At The Humphrey Group, we emphasize that to practice empathy effectively, leaders must acknowledge that their experiences are not the only valid ones. Our perspectives are shaped by our personal histories, and our interactions with the world are influenced by varying levels of privilege and experiences of discrimination.
Leaders must be able to step out of their comfort zone and consider how others experience the world. In doing so, they cultivate a deeper understanding that fosters genuine connection, enabling them to build authentic relationships that are foundational to both personal and organizational success.
Setting clear expectations is essential for defining how we interact at work. It’s about knowing the rules of engagement – the kind of behavior that’s expected in every interaction and how to handle disagreements.
By openly discussing and setting these expectations, everyone knows how to conduct themselves, which helps in creating a workplace where people feel respected and part of a team.
It also empowers team members to hold one another accountable in a supportive way. For instance, if active listening is a defined expectation, team members can gently remind one another of this norm during discussions before they become heated or unproductive.
At our last company retreat, our team met to discuss communication preferences and norms. Each team member shared their preferred methods of communication —whether email, phone, Zoom, text etc.—and we collectively established expectations around timely responses and respectful interactions. This collaborative approach ensured everyone was on the same page and felt respected in their preferred communication style.
When we actively celebrate each other’s contributions, it reinforces a sense of community and belonging. Recognizing achievements and milestones can transform a routine task into a shared experience, and it can enhance the emotional bonds between colleagues.
Celebrations don’t need to be grand gestures; even small acknowledgments can make people feel valued and connected. For example, publicly thanking someone for their help on a project or celebrating team milestones can significantly boost morale. Making recognition a regular part of workplace interactions nurtures a culture where everyone feels appreciated and connected.
By embracing practices like setting clear expectations, providing targeted training, and fostering a culture of empathy and open communication, leaders create connected workplaces grounded in genuine connection and mutual respect. Such environments empower team members to feel valued and understood, building real relationships that can withstand good times and challenges alike.
At The Humphrey Group, we have spent decades helping leaders develop these skills, ensuring that they can build and maintain resilient professional relationships. By investing in these areas, organizations not only enhance their team dynamics but also drive overall success and growth. Learn more about how we can help your organization here.