Sometimes people treat the words “disagreement” and “conflict” as interchangeable.
But they are really two different things.
Disagreement usually means a dispute which can often be easily resolved.
Sometimes disagreement can be a driver towards progress – think of a group proposing, considering and accepting/rejecting the options for a major new project.
Conflict arises when people have opposing opinions, values and beliefs.
These disputes can be so deep-seated that the origin is hard to pinpoint. But their effects are often obvious:
- poor individual and group performance
- decreasing motivation
- increasing financial, personal and reputational drains on the business.
Although causes of conflict are often hidden, a workplace mediation can help the parties in a dispute recognise those causes – and, more importantly, identify the common interests which can be the basis for a new mutual understanding.