It is a wonderful thing to be able to work with diverse transdisciplinary teams and provide therapy to varying populations as speech-language pathologists. Each day we commit to serving others and display our knowledge and skills within our workplaces. But with varying personalities, beliefs, views, educations, experiences, and communication types, conflict with colleagues, clients, and others can arise.

Data published by Magenta Associates (2023) indicates that workplace conflicts are caused 47% of the time by opposing personality types and 43% of the time by lack of communication. We try to circumvent workplace disagreements, but when they arise, all parties involved share the responsibility of collaborating to identify solutions and resolve conflicts—or alternatively, seek common ground.

There are many types of conflicts that can be seen in the workplace, including those associated with territory, technique, and tone.

Conflict of Territory

This form of conflict occurs when individuals contravene another’s job, schedule, or workspace. Even with established roles and responsibilities, others may infringe on another’s profession. Whether it be scheduling a student at the same time as someone else, assigning a task during a pre-planned portion of the day, placing personal belongings in another person’s area, or contributing to a task assigned to someone else—these can all lead to disagreements. It is best to be transparent regarding schedules, responsibilities, and boundaries before territorial conflict occurs.

Conflict of Technique

This form of conflict can arise when others disagree with one’s competence or effectiveness within their professional expertise. Such skepticism can stem from differences in knowledge, experience, or simple misunderstanding. A great way to approach these situations is to explain the reasoning behind decisions and remain open to learning alternative approaches that achieve the same goal while respecting others’ perspectives.

Conflict of Tone

Tone encompasses the qualities of expression that reveal attitudes, thoughts, and emotions. We interpret different tones each day and convey our own. How we deliver our thoughts can elicit reactions from others—sometimes unintended. While a lack of communication can cause strife, so can communication that feels harmful or negative. Practice timing, technique, and tone when communicating with others. Lean in and listen, wait, restate, and validate.

Personality Types in the Workplace

Personality types play a crucial role in every workplace environment. Some behavioral tendencies include being outgoing, reserved, task-oriented, and/or people-oriented. These align with the DISC acronym for understanding different personality types:

• Dominant (D): Outgoing, task-oriented individuals who enjoy challenges.
• Inspiring (I): Outgoing, people-oriented individuals who enjoy socializing with others.
• Supportive (S): Reserved, people-oriented individuals who enjoy teamwork and supporting others.
• Cautious (C): Reserved, patient, and conscientious individuals who value consistency, accuracy, and quality.

Being aware of the different personality types we work with—and knowing our own—can help us identify individual strengths and build greater rapport. By assessing how people work and communicate, we can learn to listen and express our own thoughts in ways that prevent conflict.

The Golden Rule tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated, while Dr. Tony Alessandra’s Platinum Rule encourages us to treat others the way they want to be treated. By reflecting on our differences and understanding the needs of those around us, we can enter each professional interaction with the intent to reflect positivity and foster shared understanding.

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References

• Magenta Associates (2023). Conflict Management and Resolution at the Workplace. Economic Times HR.
• SpeechPathology.com (n.d.). Successful Conflict Management within a Multidisciplinary Team.
• Discovery Report (n.d.). Introduction to DISC Personality Types.
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). Workplace Conflict and Its Management in Health Care Settings.