Bridging the gap without burning the bridge

Madeline Curtis
Aug 30
4 min read

Sharing space and collaborating with co-workers who have vastly differing values than we do can be challenging. Often, we’re able to maintain focus on the work in front of us. Sometimes, however, the views of our team members are hard to ignore. The typical ‘water cooler’ talk becomes less about the workday and more about politics, social issues, or interoffice policies. Now more than ever, it’s important to invest in a better understanding of the modern workplace and how to navigate its beautiful diversity.

The Modern Workplace

Today’s workforce is made predominantly of Generation Y (millennials), Generation X, and Generation Z. Each generation brings its own values, skills, and insights into the workplace. Also, the workforce is now the most diverse it’s been in recent history, bringing an even richer life to work-spaces around the country–and world. It's no surprise, then, that people bring differing views, values, and attitudes into the office with them.

While this diversity can be a strength, breeding innovation in the workplace efforts, it can also be difficult. Tension is created when differing views clash. Workplace conflict, when left unchecked, can lower morale, harm workplace collaboration, and reduce productivity. Workplace conflicts can even have serious consequences on psychophysical health and overall well being, as one study found.

One major cause of workplace conflict is something that’s actually highly celebrated–its multi-generational nature. In fact, recent data concluded that 60% of workers report generational conflict in the workplace. So, what’s the good news here? Investing in a deeper understanding of the generations that comprise today’s workforce can help mitigate conflicts. With the right mindset and strategies, you can avoid and even gracefully manage workplace conflict. To that end, we’ve compiled 5 tips to help bridge the gap betweven teammates without burning bridges.

5 tips for bridging the gap without burning bridges

1. Strive for clear and precise communication

Clear communication is essential in any workplace. It’s even more crucial when dealing with sensitive topics, rising tensions, or coworkers with differing opinions. Since most workplace conflicts stem from a lack of clear communication, aim to make clear communication a habit–set clear expectations, use objective language, and use a tone of voice that encourages trust rather than breeds tension. Respectful and concise communication sets a foundation of mutual respect and professionalism. Want to avoid any potential conflicts? Work on what you say and how you say it.

Another important feature of good communication is how well we listen. Active listening when incorporated in the workplace has been found to decrease miscommunications and increase employee satisfaction. Listen to what is actually being said, not what you believe is being said. If something is unclear, ask clarifying questions instead of making assumptions about expectations. Take time to follow up on important conversations or meetings to show that you respect your colleagues’ time and message.

Read: 6 tips for improving communication and overcoming attitudinal barriers

2. Practice empathy

Empathy is a highly sought trait in workplace leadership. It’s so desired by the latest generations, in fact, that it was ranked as the second most important trait a boss or coworker could possess. So, what does empathy look like in the workplace? Workplace empathy involves putting yourself in others’ shoes and active listening. Genuinely trying to understand another’s perspective shows a deep respect and often de-escalates potential disagreements before they can grow into something more detrimental. When someone is expressing opinions or concerns, listen attentively and consider how you’d feel if you were in their shoes.

Read: Emotional Intelligence: What it is and how to improve yours

3. Focus on commonalities

Even when values or opinions differ, teams usually share overarching goals. Reframing conversations to focus on these shared goals helps move conversations away from conflict and back to collaboration. It also ensures that your team’s larger purpose is always at the forefront of any action. Ask yourself: what are we both trying to achieve here? Then, build from there.

From a broader view, one way to decrease tension between you and a team member is to focus on the commonalities you share. Maybe you both enjoy afternoon walks, or have taken to Pickleball as part of your 5-9 after your 9-5. It could be something as simple as sharing an affinity for the same sports team or enjoying a certain coffee shop. Focusing on the things you have in common can help overcome a sense of unrelatability, allowing you to see the person, not merely the opinion.

Read: Better together: 7 tips for building strong workplace relationships

4. Stay solution-oriented

Instead of dwelling on a problem or on who’s right, shift your focus to what really matters–a solution. Keep in mind the shared goals and move the conversation towards brainstorming. Emphasizing collective problem-solving keeps the focus on progress, not personal differences, and can effect a more positive outcome. Unresolved conflicts can slash team performance by up to 67% and lower engagement by 65%. Don’t let your team suffer at the hand of workplace conflicts. Staying focused on solutions transforms potential conflicts into a catalyst for innovation and collaboration.

5. Know when to step away

Sometimes, the healthiest way to prevent a conflict of any kind, in or out of the workplace, is to pause. If emotions are running high or feelings are being, step away. Allow yourself time to regroup and re-energize. The conversation can be revisited at another time when heads are cooler and everyone has had a chance to see things more clearly. As this recent article shows, you can remove yourself from conflict without sacrificing your position or values. The key is to allow yourself enough time to recover and reset, then shift your focus towards collaborating, not competing. Remember: when the going gets tough, the tough get going–until they’re calmer and ready to focus their efforts on collaborative problem-solving.

Avoiding workplace conflicts isn’t about ignoring differences, but respecting them. It’s about cultivating an environment where those differences can coexist in a harmonious and productive manner. By leaning into clear communication, empathy, and respect, we avoid unnecessary tension and strengthen our teams’ collaborative efforts.

If you’re searching for a deeper understanding of the modern workforce, look no farther. Here at The Growth Group, our Bridging the Gap series is designed to help leaders and professionals recognize and understand the delicate, diverse ecosystem that makes up today’s work-spaces.