How to Make Your Voice Heard During Conflict Resolution

“So, here’s what I think.”

That’s what you wish you could say.

But as you sit in a meeting about a workplace conflict, it feels like you’re watching decisions unfold from behind a glass wall.

Important choices are being made, yet no one seems interested in your perspective – or the perspectives of other employees.

You know the people around you have valuable insights to share, but the opportunity to speak up just doesn’t exist.

Do you feel like employees in your workgroup aren't able to express their views and feelings during processes for handling conflicts?

This inability to voice your perspective during conflict resolution isn't just silencing – it's a recognised workplace issue known as lack of procedural justice.

And when employees can't express their views during dispute processes, it can affect both the fairness of outcomes and workplace trust.

What's Procedural Justice?

Procedural justice includes making sure all parties have the opportunity to express their views during conflict resolution. This voice in the process is crucial for both fair outcomes and employee trust in the system.

When procedural justice is strong, everyone involved in a conflict has the chance to share their perspective and be heard.

However, when employee voices are silenced during conflict resolution, you need strategies to ensure perspectives are properly considered.

Why It Matters

Here's why the inability to speak up in conflict processes isn't okay:

• It can lead to decisions being made without crucial information from those involved
• It often results in solutions that don't address the real issues
• It may cause employees to lose faith in the conflict resolution system

Luckily, you don't have to remain voiceless during conflict resolution. There are ways to make sure a wide range of perspectives are heard.

1. Prepare Points

Document your key concerns and perspectives clearly before conflict discussions.

2. Find Channels

Identify appropriate formal and informal ways to submit employee feedback.

3. Build Support

Connect with colleagues who share similar concerns to strengthen the collective voice.

Speaking Your Truth

Feeling unable to express your views during conflict resolution can be a real kick in the guts – it leaves you feeling powerless and frustrated.

But speaking up is a skill. And like any skill, it takes practice.

By using MOOD.ai to track how you feel each day, you can spot patterns and uncover opportunities to raise your voice constructively. It can give you the confidence to ensure your voice is heard.

After all, your perspective matters. When you find ways to express your views, you’re not just advocating for yourself – you’re helping to create a more inclusive and fair conflict resolution process for everyone.

And that’s always worth speaking up for.