A nurse leader is working with a team experiencing conflict regarding client assignments. What action should the nurse leader take to promote open communication and de-escalate conflict?

When a team is experiencing conflict, the most effective leadership approach is to address the issue privately and create a safe space for each member to voice their concerns. Private communication prevents embarrassment, reduces defensiveness, and encourages honest dialogue. Listening to each person's perspective allows the nurse leader to identify the root cause of the conflict and facilitate a fair resolution. Assigning the most experienced nurse to decide on assignments may resolve the logistics but does not address the interpersonal conflict or give all team members a voice, which can breed resentment. Ignoring the conflict is counterproductive; unresolved conflict escalates over time, negatively affecting team morale, communication, and ultimately client safety. Allowing team members to argue until they reach their own resolution is an avoidance strategy that can damage professional relationships and the care environment. Transformational and effective nurse leaders intervene proactively in conflict situations by using open, respectful communication strategies, demonstrating empathy, and guiding the team toward mutually acceptable solutions — all hallmarks of sound conflict resolution practice.