Finding common ground as a leader: tips for handling conflict at work

Category: Leadership & culture
Audience: leader
Format: elearn
Duration: 30 minutes

Disagreements and tensions in the team are a natural part of working life. For leaders, knowing how to navigate them with skill and confidence is one of the most valuable capabilities to develop. When conflict is left unaddressed, it becomes a psychosocial risk with real consequences for team wellbeing, psychological safety and culture. This module equips leaders with a deeper understanding of what drives conflict, practical communication strategies to model and embed across the team, and the confidence to intervene early and resolve difficulties in ways that preserve trust and strengthen relationships.

Also available in an all-staff edition.

Course overview

Where two or more personalities come together in a demanding environment, there is the potential for conflict situations to arise. While this is normal in today’s busy workplace, allowing conflict to persist can pose a risk to wellbeing, performance and team culture. This module explores the causes and impacts of conflict at work, and provides guidance for leaders on how to avoid and manage conflict in the team where appropriate. It guides participants through some healthy communication styles and provides tips and insights to help ensure people can work through problems without harming working relationships.

Learning outcomes

Identify some common causes of conflict at work
Apply some practical strategies to prevent conflict situations escalating
Recognise the signs when a working relationship needs help
Identify your preferred style of conflict management
Identify solutions and pathways to achieve mutual agreements
Access some helpful options for further support

Compliance outcomes

Effective conflict management
Equipping employees with the skills to navigate disagreements and resolve conflicts constructively
Significantly reduce the risk of psychosocial harm
Meet requirements as outlined in the Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
Minimise conflict-related stress and anxiety
Address psychosocial risks by providing people leaders with strategies for de-escalation, communication, and problem-solving