Companies are focusing on their sociotechnical constructs and common social media-type platforms to support organizational behavior methodologies. The human–computer interaction (HCI) environment demands that leaders at all company levels develop robust leadership styles and skills to effectively lead organizations using various methods and skills. Human interaction, whether it is face-to-face or virtual, will result in differences of opinion and methods to execute work functions and working relationships.
Given the potential to encounter situations that are subject to diverse opinions and experiences, substantive research is necessary to utilize the tools and processes available to support organizational issue resolution.
Using your research and relevant experience, respond to the following questions:
According to your research, describe how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be used to resolve existing workplace conflict. Include relevant personal experiences in your response.
What leadership styles are effective when working through workplace conflict? Include relevant personal leadership experiences in your response.
How can leadership use DEI to help prevent conflict? Include relevant personal experiences in your response.
How can technology be used by leaders and teams to effectively resolve conflict?
Include a minimum of 3 references and corresponding citations in your Individual Project each week.
Effective Leadership Styles for Conflict
Effective leadership in conflict situations often requires a blend of styles. The transformational leadership style is particularly effective, as it focuses on inspiring and motivating employees to work toward a common goal, transcending personal differences. A transformational leader can reframe a conflict from a problem into an opportunity for growth and innovation. Another powerful style is servant leadership, where the leader's primary goal is to serve their team members. By prioritizing the well-being and development of employees, a servant leader can build trust and psychological safety, making it easier for people to resolve conflicts. In my experience, using a transformational approach helped a team overcome a significant disagreement about project direction. I shifted the conversation from "who is right" to "what is the best outcome for the company," which realigned the team's focus and led to a creative compromise.
Sample Answer
Companies are increasingly using sociotechnical constructs and social media-like platforms to support organizational behavior, requiring leaders to develop robust skills to manage conflicts that arise from diverse opinions.
DEI and Workplace Conflict Resolution
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just buzzwords; they are essential frameworks for resolving workplace conflict. DEI can resolve existing conflicts by promoting understanding and empathy. When a workplace values diverse perspectives, it's easier for employees to see a conflict as a difference in viewpoint rather than a personal attack. By creating equitable processes, a leader ensures that everyone has a fair chance to be heard, preventing the feeling that one's opinion is being dismissed due to their background. For instance, in a past role, a conflict arose between two teams from different cultural backgrounds over project management styles. The conflict was resolved by facilitating a workshop on cultural competence, where each team learned to appreciate the other's approach. This helped them see that their different methods were not a sign of incompetence but a product of their unique experiences, leading to a collaborative solution.