Barbara Popejoy

Conflict between managers and direct reports affects their work and influences how productive and effective an organization can be. Managers who can see both sides of a conflict can resolve it, but that means assessing the differences between themselves and their direct reports and finding out how those differences impact the conflict. With that knowledge they can make a plan to use before, during, and after a conflict resolution session that clarifies performance expectations and provides ongoing feedback for support and development.

Conflict between managers and direct reports affects their work and influences how productive and effective an organization can be. Managers who can see both sides of a conflict can resolve it, but that means assessing the differences between themselves and their direct reports and finding out how those differences impact the conflict. With that knowledge they can make a plan to use before, during, and after a conflict resolution session that clarifies performance expectations and provides ongoing feedback for support and development.

Conflict with direct reports is one of the most difficult challenges facing managers today. But it's a challenge that successful leaders must learn to address. Managers who develop an understanding of difference without judging and are willing to see more than one perspective or solution are in a good position to manage such conflict. They are better prepared to understand emotions that can trigger conflict, to clarify performance expectations, and to provide ongoing feedback for the support and development of their direct reports.