Conflict Isn’t the Problem. Avoidance Is.
Three people. One project. Five missed deadlines. Why? Nobody wanted to address the elephant in the room: a peer who consistently dropped the ball.
Sound familiar?
According to the 2025 National Workplace Trends Study, 38% of Gen Z workers report high conflict in negative cultures, and 57% of employees say they want conflict resolved in a respectful, supportive way.
Here are three lessons we learned from this research:
- Avoiding conflict doesn’t protect team harmony. It poisons it.
- The best leaders aren’t "nice", but clear, fair, and consistent.
- High-performing teams build psychological safety through healthy confrontation.
👉 Read the full workplace study here
5 CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES THAT ACTUALLY WORK:
1. Train teams on conflict resolution frameworks.
Most employees don’t lack the will to resolve conflict; they lack the
skill. Equip teams with tools like what we teach in our leadership program > the SPIN Model (Situation, Perceived Behavior, Impact, Next Steps). This type of format depersonalizes conflict and focuses on resolution.
2. Create a 'disagree and commit' culture.
Not every conflict ends in consensus, but every team needs forward motion. Create a culture where employees feel heard but are expected to commit once a decision is made, even if it’s not the direction they preferred.
3. Establish peer mediation protocols.
Empower employees to resolve minor issues before they escalate. Train team leads in facilitation techniques and include peer mediation as a standard part of your culture playbook.
4. Coach managers on "in-the-moment" feedback.
The
NWTS revealed that
36% of employees rank constructive feedback as a top leadership trait. Waiting for annual reviews is outdated. Managers should be trained to spot and address behavior issues as they occur with clarity and compassion.
5. Normalize team-building to strengthen trust.
Trust is the foundation of every healthy confrontation.
43% of employees say they would stay at a job longer if they
trusted their coworkers. Build that trust proactively through collaborative wins, not just social events.
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:
Audit your next team meeting. Did your team avoid an issue? Or did they address it constructively? If avoidance is the norm, it’s time to empower your team with conflict resolution strategies.
If you want a thriving, accountable workplace, start by addressing the uncomfortable.
✅ For data-driven strategies to transform a toxic culture into a Destination Workplace™, visit: https://destinationworkplace.com
🎤 To book Betsy to speak on the latest workplace trends & future of work at your next conference visit:
https://betsyallenmanning.com
