Causes of Conflict in the WorkplaceSýnishorn

Causes of Conflict in the Workplace – Part I

There will always be some degree of tension in the workplace. Could you be the root cause of conflict? In this Bible reading plan, I will share some of the primary causes of conflict in the workplace. Ask the Lord to show you if any of them ring true for you. Anger is the first one.

Some people are situationally angry; others are more persistently angry. Years ago, I worked with a persistently angry person. 

Many days this person could be pleasant, but there was simmering anger below the surface. If someone slighted or crossed her, the anger could erupt at a moment’s notice. 

This usually led to ongoing conflict and fear in the workplace. This negatively impacted communication and collaboration within the organization.

Proverbs 29:22 says, "An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins."

At some point, we all become angry, but if you find yourself persistently angry, and you feel like co-workers are tip-toeing around you, then you may need to address the underlying cause. 

Questions for Reflection:   

• Fear is often an underlying cause of anger. Is there something you fear that may be making you persistently angry at work?   
• Have you ever worked around a persistently angry person? What reaction did that cause in you?   
• According to Proverbs 29, what is the consequence of being persistently angry?