Hello all,
This week's wisdom comes from Caroline Melkonian, a University at Albany Alumna and professional mediator.
The Hidden Signs Workplace Conflict Is Brewing And How Mediation Can Help
"Hidden workplace conflict rarely announces itself. It usually shows up in subtle behavioral shifts before it becomes open disagreement. Here are the most common hidden signs:
Communication Changes
When communication becomes indirect or overly formal, tension is often present. This can look like short, clipped emails, avoiding direct conversation, or delayed responses. Or in the worst case, employees are talking about someone instead of to someone. Once this begins, facts morph into perceptions and trust begins to erode, making it harder and riskier for employees to engage on their own.
Silence
Silence can be a powerful indicator of unspoken disagreement. You may see meeting dynamics shift where employees “save” opinions for private conversations, or no longer seem as engaged as they were previously and passively nod their heads in agreement. This creates false consensus when in reality, concerns still exist or employees are not aligned with the outcomes, creating quiet non-compliance.
Productivity Shifts
Relationship issues are sometimes disguised as productivity issues. You may see increased mistakes, missed deadlines or competing priorities that suddenly feel territorial. If leaders treat a relational problem as a performance problem, they address the symptom, not the cause. When performance shifts suddenly, it is often worth asking not only, “What is wrong with the work?” but also, “What may be happening between the people?”
Have you experienced this? I know I have.
I've even participated in "the meeting after the meeting" when we all expressed our true opinions and shared our true thoughts about the solutions. And I've even felt justified in the moment, despite knowing that that practice does nothing to improve the situation.
So, we have to step up to address issues with courage and kindness.
And for your listening pleasure... The Canadian group, The Be Good Tanyas sing Draft Daughter's Blues aka Ootischenia
And long hair comin' down her shoulders
She is tired and feeling so much older
So tear the pages from the family bible
It came down upon the women for survival
It came down upon the women for survival...
All the best,
Holly
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