Navigating Conflict: From Avoidance to Competence

Is conflict avoidance contributing to a toxic workplace? This article dives into the often-misunderstood reasons behind conflict avoidance, revealing it's not just about fearing confrontation, but also about suppressing one's own emotions. Learn how conflict-avoidant leadership can inadvertently fuel workplace bullying by allowing issues to fester, accountability to erode, and toxic behaviors to go unchecked. We explore the dangers of prioritizing harmony over honesty and the missed opportunities for growth when difficult conversations are sidestepped. Discover actionable strategies to cultivate conflict competence, including building emotional intelligence, fostering open communication, and addressing underlying beliefs about conflict. Understand how implementing proactive conflict resolution strategies, such as early intervention and clear policies, can reduce escalation and create a more resilient, respectful, and productive work environment. Break the cycle of avoidance and build a workplace where everyone thrives. Read on to learn how.

Understanding Conflict Avoidance and Minimization: A Deadly Combination

In my qualitative phenomenological dissertation research, I interviewed ten women who had encountered workplace bullying by other women. The women’s narratives revealed a recurring theme: many of these women experienced that their male bosses either minimized or avoided dealing with the bullying at work (Hecker, 2024). This often left them feeling helpless, as standing up to the bully and their helpers resulted in no change. Their experiences were dismissed or minimized by those who were supposed to support and stop the threat.

Conflict avoidance and the tendency to minimize bullying are significant barriers to addressing the issue effectively. Research by scholars has shown a clear relationship of men minimizing women's claims of bullying as well as avoiding solving them (Escartín et al., 2011) (Salin, 2021).

These differences in perception can lead to varying thresholds for acknowledging and reporting bullying incidents, making it challenging to address (Benson, 2003). Read on.