Leading with Respect and Addressing Conflict: A Call to Action for Leaders
In today’s climate, where the ability polarize and divide seem to be gaining traction as leadership traits, it’s time for leaders to re-evaluate how we handle conflict where we spend most of our time: at work.
One of my favorite leadership books is "The Captain Class" by Sam Walker. This book is a tribute profiling the greatest teams in history and the characteristics of the leaders who guided them to success. In the book, Walker hypothesizes that the single most critical ingredient in a team that achieved sustained success is the character of the player who leads it. While I don’t agree with all of the findings, I do subscribe to the idea, through both experience and agreement, that teams are shaped by the character and behaviors of our leaders.
But what has become more relevant in today’s workplace is what leaders choose to ignore. I believe that a team’s culture and ultimately their success is a direct reflection of what its leaders choose to IGNORE and/or OVERLOOK.
Life is hard, leadership is harder, and some of us are taking the easy route. The easy route is to ignore conflict or, even worse, engage in cancel culture, which only serves to deepen divides and foster resentment. Instead, we need to prioritize respect and develop the critical leadership skill of conflict resolution.
As leaders, the culture of our companies is a direct reflection of what we choose to ignore. When we let disrespect and unresolved conflicts fester, we create environments where negativity thrives, and our mission towards success, inclusion, equity, and respect becomes harder to achieve.
"It’s time to step up and lead through conflict, not around it. The inability to effectively resolve conflict has left us all exhausted, and in many cases, it has made us willing to give up on the very things we’re fighting for."
We’re all striving for a workplace where everyone feels valued and heard, but this vision can only become a reality when we address issues head-on with respect and understanding.
Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it defines us as leaders. Here’s my call to action: I want leaders to OPEN their eyes to the real challenges and take actionable steps to address them:
O: Embrace Conflict as an OPPORTUNITY. Conflict isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a chance to grow. It’s through challenging conversations that we understand different perspectives and find common ground. Leaders must see conflict as an opportunity to build stronger, more resilient teams.
P: PRIORITIZE Respect as the Core of Every Interaction. Respect should be at the core of every interaction. It means actively listening, valuing different viewpoints, and addressing issues without belittling or dismissing others (non-tolerance for a**holes). When leaders model respect, it sets the standard for the entire organization.
E: Invest in Conflict Resolution EDUCATION. Effective conflict resolution is an art that requires practice, patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. Leaders need to invest in training themselves and their teams in these areas. Add it to your budget.
N: Let it be Known that You Have Taken NOTICE. Acknowledge the issues that have been ignored. Create a safe space for dialogue where employees feel safe to express their concerns without fear of retribution. This involves establishing clear channels for communication.
Working respectfully through conflict is not just a goal; it is the foundation of a thriving workplace. By prioritizing respect and mastering the skill of conflict resolution, we can create environments where everyone feels energized to contribute their best.
So...OPEN UP! Let’s lead by example, showing that true leadership means facing conflict with courage and respect.
Respectfully,
Odessa "OJ" Jenkins
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