Reducing Workplace Conflicts in a New Way
In the working world, one of the biggest challenges many of us come across is dealing with differences in opinion between our coworkers. New research from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, suggest that these conflicts can be reduced using an approach called team mindfulness.
“Team mindfulness refers to a shared belief within a team of focusing on the present moment and ensuring team members interact with one another without judgment” (PsychCentral). While many individuals already strive to include mindfulness in their own lives, by being conscious of their own emotional responses, this is one of the first studies about how practicing mindfulness as a team can reduce conflicts.
How can team mindfulness be implemented? From group activities such as yoga, to simply having open conversations where employees are allowed to express themselves in a judgement free environment, there are numerous ways to go about it. Some organizations even implemented morning meditation sessions or intention setting.
Implementing these practices was beneficial, the study showed:
“The researchers found that, when teams are more mindful, the degree of interpersonal conflict decreased. Team members were also less likely to transform their frustration with a particular task into a personal conflict with their colleagues. This helped the team members detach from the task and eliminated strong emotions and feelings of prejudgment, the researchers noted.” (PsychCentral)
While you may never have considered it before, this approach may be something to look into to lower conflict and it’s consequences in your workplace.
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