5 Strategies for Women Leaders to Transform Workplace Conflict into Collaboration
As women, we bring something special to the leadership table, especially when it comes to handling conflict. The Center for Creative Leadership found that we’re 40% more likely to use collaborative approaches during disputes and 35% more likely to seek understanding before taking action. I know I strive for this with clients and colleagues (and am still working on it with my husband Michael – apparently, “collaborative problem-solving” isn’t always the best approach when deciding on a Netflix show!).
But let’s talk about the challenges too. Despite our skills, women still hold only 24% of C-suite roles, a number that drops to just 4% for women of color. It’s not just statistics – it’s lived experiences. I recently worked with a senior executive who, despite leading her division to record profits, constantly had to justify her collaborative problem-solving approach.
Sound familiar? Research shows these extra hurdles are common, but they’ve also led us to develop remarkably effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.