Episode #209: How To Resolve Internal Conflicts

Business is evolving faster than ever before. With powerful technology in our hands 24/7, we live in an always-connected, always-demanding world. Flat organizations, global teams, and open-plan offices create endless communication noise and stress.
Deadlines, KPIs, and performance targets dominate our daily work, driving impatience and instant-response culture. Where once we waited months for international correspondence, today even seconds of delay cause frustration. We have unconsciously built systems that naturally breed more workplace conflict.

Summary: The speed of modern business and the demand for instant outcomes have made conflict inevitable — not exceptional.

Dale Carnegie identifies five categories of conflict that professionals and leaders must understand and manage:

1. Process Conflict — When Systems Create Friction

Ask yourself: is the issue caused by unclear or broken processes?
Often, the person managing the process doesn’t realize the negative impact on others. Approach them diplomatically, agree that it needs fixing, and collaborate on a clear action plan.
Mini-summary: Solve process conflicts by aligning with process owners and co-creating improvements.

2. Role Conflict — When Responsibilities Overlap

Flat organizations blur boundaries. Don’t wait for others to define your role — take initiative. Reassess your position within the team and stay flexible to ensure collective progress. Embrace role change as a growth opportunity.
Mini-summary: Clarify your role proactively and adapt to keep the organization moving forward.

3. Interpersonal Conflict — When Relationships Break Down

Personality clashes and misunderstandings are the toughest conflicts. Step back and assess your own biases. Are others influencing your judgment? Focus on self-awareness and commit to behavior changes, even when difficult.
Before confronting someone, empathize: see the situation from their perspective. This mindset builds the foundation for productive dialogue.
Mini-summary: Resolve interpersonal conflicts through empathy, reflection, and direct, respectful communication.

4. Direction Conflict — When Goals Aren’t Clear

Unclear corporate strategy often sparks confusion and disagreement. Verify your understanding of the company’s current direction before discussing it with others. Address discrepancies respectfully and focus on shared goals, not blame.
Mini-summary: Eliminate direction conflicts by clarifying vision and aligning on common objectives.

5. External Conflict — When Forces Are Beyond Your Control

External challenges — economic, regulatory, or organizational — may be unavoidable. Instead of complaining, focus on what you can influence. As James Brown said, “Get on the good foot!”
Mini-summary: Redirect your energy toward positive, controllable actions that move the organization forward.

• Modern business speed increases the risk of workplace conflict.

• Understanding the five conflict types helps leaders respond effectively.

• Empathy and self-reflection are essential to resolving interpersonal issues.

• Dale Carnegie Tokyo empowers professionals to turn conflict into cooperation.