Confronting Conflict in the Workplace

by Tan Sin Guan

Nobody likes conflict. It is emotionally draining, a threat to relationships and difficult to address and resolve. Like the tip of the iceberg, beneath every conflict is a huge block of complicated factors.

An article by recruitment firm Kelly Services titled "Twelve rules to deal with conflict" (News Straits Times, May 8, 2004) highlighted "poor communication, disruptions in routines, unclear goals or expectations, the quest for power, ego massage, differences in value systems or hidden agendas" as contributive factors and possible causes for conflict. The list could be much longer and more complicated depending on the circumstances. For instance, conflict is likely to be more complicated if it involves more than two parties or when it involves an organization in cases such as merger and management-union conflict. In addition, there are multiple causes for a conflict and they usually overlap. It may be easier to identify the factor that triggered off a conflict than to pinpoint the exact source of a conflict. While many books have been written on the nature and ways of resolving conflict, let us explore how Christian working professionals who seek to fulfill their calling in the marketplace should deal with conflict.

American country singer Garth Brooks once said, "The greatest conflicts are not between two people but between one person and himself." The best way to deal with conflict is to decide beforehand how one should view and deal with it. Christians in the workplace must recognize that conflict is an inevitable part of life and it must not be avoided on the notion that it is bad or reflects on our Christian walk. On the contrary those who seek to follow God in the workplace must be prepared for opposition and conflict because there will be clashes of faith and worldview, leading to differences in opinions, values and practices.

The Bible warns those who seek to live a godly life that they should expect persecution, which is a form of conflict, simply because the world (and its systems) first hated Jesus Christ (John 15:18). Paul in his letter to Timothy said, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12). It's important to have this mindset on conflict if you wish to fulfill your calling in the workplace. Instead of complaining, retreating or resigning, Christian working professionals are to see conflict as part and parcel of life. However, not every conflict falls into the "persecution" category. For instance, even if one is walking closely with God, one may still have blind spots - and God can use even unbelievers in the workplace to correct us. Hence, it is important that Christian working professionals face conflict with a humble and teachable attitude. A CEO of an established company shared how one of his Christian employees often took leave, sometimes without giving sufficient notice, for church activities even when there were deadlines to be met. The Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Pet 2:18-21 that it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But no credit should be given to those who receive and endure a beating for doing wrong.

Sometimes conflict is necessary because it increases productivity and work quality. Michael Eisner, who used to be the CEO and chairman of Disney, attributes the existence of friction (conflict) as an important factor in the company's success. He said, "The whole business starts with ideas, and we're convinced that ideas come out of an environment of supportive conflict, which is synonymous with appropriate friction." Avoiding conflict actually brings more harm than benefit. Mary Whelchel in her book Getting Along With People @ Work says it is more harmful not confronting when it is necessary. It results in inner resentment or anger and unresolved issues. Conflict can promote healthy boundaries, respect and even productivity.

Jesus Christ Himself did not avoid conflict when He spoke out on righteousness and truth. He seemed to initiate conflicts when He criticized the hypocritical attitude and lifestyle of the religious leaders of His time. Christians in the workplace should not see conflict as something negative or think that it is the result of a lack of love, acceptance or perseverance, and reflects badly on Christian testimony in the workplace. They must not run away from conflict for fear that it displeases God. On the contrary, Christians who have the courage to address issues such as work quality, teamwork, miscommunication, and standing up for what is right and just reflect Christ. This will be quite challenging if we have not learned to communicate well, especially when we are communicating with people who do not have the same beliefs or worldview. It is therefore important to have the right attitude in handling conflict so that relationships are not damaged.

Tan Sin Guan is director of Malaysia Campus Crusade for Christ’s Impact! ministry. He is also an associate pastor of Klang Chinese Methodist Church.