Making Conflict Work – Turning Workplace Conflict Into Opportunity
The Workplace Problem: Power Struggles and Unresolved Tension
In every workplace, conflict is inevitable—but how it’s handled determines whether it strengthens teams or tears them apart. Too often, power dynamics make conflicts more complicated, leading to resentment, disengagement, or outright dysfunction.
For HR leaders, managers, and executives, the challenge isn’t just resolving disputes—it’s navigating conflicts where power imbalances exist.
What This Book is About
Making Conflict Work, by Peter T. Coleman and Robert Ferguson, explores how power influences workplace conflict and provides a science-backed strategy for managing disputes at all levels.
The book teaches leaders, HR professionals, and employees how to turn power-driven conflicts into opportunities for growth, collaboration, and long-term solutions.
Key Takeaways for HR and Workplace Leaders
Power Shapes Conflict More Than We Realize – Disputes aren’t just about issues; they’re influenced by who holds power, who feels heard, and who controls decisions.
Conflict Isn’t Just Negative—It’s Necessary – When managed well, conflict can spark creativity, innovation, and stronger relationships.
There Are 7 Conflict Strategies—And Each Has Its Place:
Autocratic Strategy – When a leader needs to take charge.
Competitive Strategy – When pushing for the best outcome is necessary.
Avoidance Strategy – When stepping back prevents unnecessary escalation.
Compromise Strategy – When finding middle ground is key.
Collaborative Strategy – When teamwork and problem-solving matter most.
Defensive Strategy – When protecting oneself from manipulation.
Adaptive Strategy – When shifting approaches based on the situation.
The Right Strategy Depends on Power Dynamics – A conflict with a peer requires a different approach than a conflict with a boss or subordinate.
Avoiding Conflict Is Often Worse Than Facing It – Leaders who sidestep tough discussions weaken trust and credibility.
Workplace Tools and Models from the Book
The Power-Conflict Framework – A tool to analyze who holds power, how conflict is unfolding, and which resolution strategy will work best.
The "Conflict Intelligence" Approach – Understanding and adapting conflict strategies based on hierarchy, relationships, and goals.
The "Win-Lose Trap" – Avoiding workplace conflicts where one side "wins" at the expense of long-term collaboration.
Why This Matters for HR and Workplace Leaders
HR professionals and managers often act as mediators between employees, teams, and leadership. Making Conflict Work provides strategies to:
✔ Help leaders navigate power-based conflicts effectively
✔ Train employees on how to handle disputes with bosses, peers, or subordinates
✔ Strengthen organizational decision-making by reducing power struggles
✔ Improve company culture by turning conflict into productive problem-solving
How This Connects to Workplace Assessments and Restorations
Many workplace assessments reveal power-driven conflicts, such as:
Employees feeling powerless in disputes with leadership.
Tensions between different levels of management.
Departments competing rather than collaborating.
By applying Making Conflict Work principles, HR leaders can help organizations shift from toxic power struggles to productive problem-solving.
How Can You Apply This?
➡️ Are workplace conflicts driven by power imbalances?
➡️ Do employees and leaders struggle to navigate disagreements with authority figures?
Understanding how power influences conflict can help teams resolve disputes faster and strengthen workplace relationships.
Where to Buy
Interested in reading Making Conflict Work? You can purchase it here:
📚 Amazon
📚 Peter Coleman’s Official Site
