Hey guys! We all have faced conflict at the workplace, but not a lot of us know how to deal with it. So, here are some tips to handle and resolve conflict quickly, efficiently and effectively!
Embrace Conflict
When conflict comes, don’t avoid it or pretend nothing has happened.
The longer you wait, the more tension will build up, and the conflict will only get worse.
Deal with these issues as soon as possible, before problems and bad feelings become part of the workplace.
If you notice a conflict between employees or coworkers, encourage them to find a way to solve it.
If conflict develops between two teams, it is a good time to improve interdepartmental communication.
If you have a conflict with one of your employees, address it head on and in private.
Talk Together
Set up a time and place so you can talk for a longer time without outside interruptions.
When you do meet, each person should have enough time to say what he or she believes the other party needs to hear.
Don’t let any individual monopolize the conversation or control the topic.
Each person should talk about the disagreements and how he or she feels about the situation.
Remember, do not attack or assign blame to someone. Focus on the problem, not the person’s character.
Listen Carefully
It is crucial to give your full attention to the person who is talking. Do not interrupt them.
Make sure you are getting the message he or she is trying to convey.
Rephrase and repeat back what you have heard to confirm your understanding.
You can say something like “Let me make sure I am clear on this. You are upset about …….. Because …….”
Ask to clarify if you do not understand. You can request the other person to repeat the main problem he or she is facing in a way that makes sense to you.
Listening should always be about gaining understanding. Do not let yourself become reactionary to the other person’s words. Don’t one ear in one ear out.
Find Agreement
Your conversation mainly will focus on the disagreement, but resolution is always possible.
Try to meet in the middle so both parties are happy.
You should come out from the conversation with more positives instead of negatives.
If you look for middle ground, it shows that you are willing to work together and build a relationship around trust.
Provide Guidance
If you are in a leadership position, there are times when you have to be the middleman for the conflict.
In this case, do not ever take sides. Realize there is no wrong or right but there is always an optimal solution.
You might need to guide the conversation. If it hurts their feelings, it is likely you need to rephrase the topic so your employees return to the real problem.
If you are giving advice, highlight the positives of the process and suggest related topics or actions they can work through after the meeting.
Forgive Quickly
Every conflict needs a clear resolution that acknowledges hurt feelings and find a solution that begins to mend them.
Apologize. Tell the person you are truly sorry for anything you have done wrong, and mean it.
You also need to forgive the other person.
Agreeing to show face can lead to more problems in the future, putting you back at square one.
With these tips, the next time there is conflict, you can resolve it professionally, and hopefully everyone will grow from the experience!
