For many managers today one of their best assets can be their conflict management skills.  There are many things that have cause an increase in conflict within the workplace.  Many times one views conflict as a negative thing, something that should be avoided at all costs.  However, a strong manager will be able to identify the causes of the conflicts that arise and skillfully changing the situation into something positive for the company.  They can do this by taking the conflicts that arise and turning them into learning experiences and ways for the company to grow and become even more effective.

The causes of conflicts are generally made up of standard issues.  These include clash of interests, values, actions, views or directions. Conflicts also arise many times due to lack of communication.  Many do not express themselves well and others do not really listen to what another might be saying or trying to say.  This can lead to many disagreements and confusion which can be another factor in many conflicts.  One of the most important conflict management skills is learning to listen and determine what someone is saying or trying to express. 

If conflict management skills are used wisely many times the result of a conflict can be turned into a positive thing which can increase the overall production of a company.  One of the ways that conflict can be resolved is through the use creative and innovative ideas to solve the problem.  By having employees working towards this goal, many times they come up with solutions that are unique and can have lasting benefits within the organization. If conflict is properly managed, it can trigger these innovative ideas and solutions to be formulated and further increase the effectiveness of an organization.

Another way that conflict can positively affect the dynamics of an organization is through competition. With the scarcity of jobs, many are anxious to prove themselves in the workplace and conflict can become a situation where many will show the depth of their skills and benefit to the company.  By using this competition to inspire their employees, a good manager can take something many consider negative and turn it into a positive way to bring out the best in the people working for them. Many managers use this type of conflict management skills with great success in their organization.

Conflict is bound to happen. There is really no point in trying to think that it can be avoided.  Whenever there are a group of intelligent and creative people working together something will come up that not everyone agrees on and this will result in disagreements.  By using conflict management skills, a good manager can turn the situation around and use it to bring out the creativity and talents of their team or employees.  This can result in increased production and many unique and creative ideas for getting the work done by faster and more efficient means.  This can increase the business' overall health and that is of benefit to everyone working in the company.