How well do you manage conflict in your team?

Conflict has a bad rep but it's not actually a bad thing. In fact, when managed well, it’s one of the clearest signs of a high-performing #team. But, that only holds true when leaders handle it with care and structure.

The first step in managing #conflict is to recognize it

Conflict escalates in predictable stages - from mild tension to open confrontation. Knowing when and how to step in makes a big difference in the outcome.

Have a look at the below presentation to see how those stages are outlined and when you should intervene.

Now, let’s talk about how to actually manage conflict in your team.

Method 1: The SBI Framework (Situation/Behavior/Impact)

SBI keeps #feedback factual and depersonalized. It helps you talk about what happened without attacking character.

How it works:

💠Situation: describe when and where the behavior occurred

💠Behavior: describe what you observed (behaviors, not assumptions)

💠Impact: describe how it affected the team or the work

Example: “In yesterday’s meeting (Situation), you interrupted Jane several times while she was presenting (Behavior). It made it harder for the team to follow her point (Impact).”

Why it works:

✅Keeps emotion low and conversation focused.

✅Prevents escalation by avoiding labels or blame.

✅Encourages the other person to reflect, not defend.

Method 2: Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

Developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, NVC helps navigate emotionally charged situations with #empathy and clarity.

It follows four steps:

1️⃣Observation: state what you see or hear, free of judgment.

2️⃣Feeling: express your genuine emotion.

3️⃣Need: identify the unmet value or need driving that feeling.

4️⃣Request: make a clear, actionable ask.

Example:

“I’ve noticed in the last two project meetings that when we discuss deliverables, the conversation becomes tense and we don’t reach agreement on next steps. I’d like us to take ten minutes now to each share, one at a time, what you need from the other person to work together more smoothly. I’ll make sure we stay focused on facts and forward steps.”

Why it works:

✅Defuses tension by combining honesty with empathy.

✅Makes both sides responsible for understanding each other.

✅Turns emotion into insight instead of accusation.

The benefits of healthy conflict

In high-performing environments, disagreement is not only inevitable but also necessary. Teams that debate ideas openly outperform those that prioritize harmony over honesty. Healthy conflict drives better decisions, higher accountability, and stronger trust.

The key here is to address conflict in a human, solution-focused way that makes everyone feel safe, heard and respected.

🌟Sparking Leadership # 27: a weekly series on human-centered, sustainable #leadership. Follow for real talk and practical tools. In the meantime, lead with spark!