Bosses Are Not Always Right!

Conflict Resolution

The Bosses are Not Always Right Version

When teams are locked in conflict, it can seem like there is no way to get both sides to work towards a goal together again. The reality is that people are much more similar than we are different but getting people to see that can be very difficult.

One common misconception is that a dispute can be ruled over. For instance, a boss might decree one side of the argument to be “right”, and then both sides are expected to drop the conversation and hard feelings and get on with their day. Unfortunately, it leaves one side feeling very let down with a lose and one side elated, with a win. But it does very little to clear the air and can leave the organization in a very vulnerable state.

Now this is not earth-shaking information, but bosses are not always right. Bosses have the same limitations that we all do. Great bosses recognize it, and poor bosses don’t. Declaring a winner without careful consideration of the sides can obliterate the reason that there was a heated discussion in the first place. Maybe one side sees a looming problem that the other side doesn’t.

Regardless of the conflict, we need to understand where or why the conflict is arising before we can make a judgement. Preventing problems are vital to running a profitable business. Mistakes will always happen but if we can minimize them, that is the best way to operate.

If you are a leader, please beware of making decrees without understanding both sides. You might end up hurting more than you help.