Conflict occurs at work and in your personal and professional life — it's inevitable. One company value Pivotal Advisors holds is "involve others in the problem" so that when there is conflict, it can be adequately resolved. Conflicts can lead to better ideas, understanding, and relationships. But many leaders don't feel the need to involve other people in the problem. Here is why you should.
Conflict can occur in any organization when people with different backgrounds and priorities work together. Conflict can be expressed in numerous ways: obvious ways, like someone being rude, or less apparent ways, like someone not speaking in a group setting.
The causes of conflict can range from personality clashes and miscommunications to organizational mismanagement. So how common is workplace conflict? According to the Center for Management & Organization Effectiveness, "85% of individual contributors and leaders agreed they experienced some inevitable conflict at work. In addition, 29% of all employees said they experienced almost constant conflict. Tellingly, 12% said they also saw conflict frequently among leaders."
Here are a few common causes of conflict from that same study:
When faced with a problem, it's natural to want to try and solve it yourself. Salespeople are often lauded for their ability to think on their feet and come up with solutions to problems quickly. This is often seen as a key strength that salespeople bring to the table.
However, there are times when salespeople need to ask for help to find the best solution. This can be difficult for salespeople, who are used to being independent and solving problems independently. It's important to remember that no one is expected to be an expert on everything. Asking for help shows that you're willing to learn and understand the importance of finding the best solution, not just the first one.
Additionally, asking for help shows respect for the person or team you're working with. It shows that you value their expertise and opinion. In short, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. It demonstrates that you're willing to do whatever it takes to find the best solution and are eager to work as part of a team. Asking for help is an essential skill for salespeople and one that can make a big difference in the outcome of a sale.
There are times when it can be especially helpful to involve others in the problem-solving process. As any salesperson knows, conflict is a part of doing business. Whether it's a disagreement with a customer about an order, a problem with a shipment, or a billing issue, salespeople must be prepared to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
Involving others in the problem-solving process can help to ensure that conflicts are resolved fairly and promptly. Leaders can avoid costly delays and disruptions by working with salespeople to identify potential conflicts early on.
In addition, involving others in the problem can help ensure that all parties clearly understand the issue and its resolution. Leaders can effectively manage sales operations and minimize disruptions by including others in the conflict resolution process.
Here are three reasons why you may want to involve others:
Others may have different perspectives that can help you find a solution. When you involve others in problem-solving, you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives. This can help you find a solution you might not have considered.
Others can offer support and encouragement during the problem-solving process. Dealing with conflict can be difficult, but involving others in the problem-solving process can help to take some of the pressure off. In addition, knowing that you have others to turn to for support and encouragement can make the process less daunting.
Problem-solving is often more successful when done collaboratively. Research from the National Assessment of Education Progress shows that collaborative problem-solving is often more successful than individual problem-solving. When you involve others in the process, you increase your chances of finding a successful solution.
It's important to address conflict early and directly. If salespeople are involved in a conflict, the best way to address it is to talk about it in a private one-on-one meeting. This way, both parties can express their concerns and work together to find a resolution.
Trying to resolve conflict in a public setting will only worsen the situation and damage relationships between salespeople. If the conflict is not resolved, it can lead to poor sales performance and missed quotas. Therefore, it's essential to deal with conflict in a private setting as soon as possible.
Involving people in the problem and getting your team on the same page can lead to better engagement, higher morale, and greater revenue. When there is a conflict, you should address it quickly and privately with all parties involved to ensure you hear every side and come to a shared resolution.
Let us know if you need help resolving conflicts with your sales organization. Pivotal Advisors will be able to help you work through this.
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