Workplace Conflicts

Workplace Conflicts & Tips to Resolve Them

Workplace conflicts are not uncommon. When people work together, clashes are bound to happen. Conflicts are frustrating and cause discomfort and stress in the employees. 

While workplace conflicts are common, you should know how to negotiate to resolve a disagreement. 

The first step to resolving conflicts at the workplace is learning its source. Ask your co-worker to define the cause of the conflict. You need to know every conflict has sides, so listen to both parties carefully. Let them know that they are being heard. 

Learn the Source of the Conflict 

keep on asking and questing until you are satisfied with their answers. 

Respect Privacy 

For resolving conflicts at the workplace, you need to preserve the privacy of both sides. So, find a quiet place to talk to them privately 

Provide them with a place to speak up about the conflict. You have to earn their trust so that they can share their issues. Give them time to open up to you. 

Investigate the Situation 

After listening to both the views you need to look into the matter carefully. For resolving conflicts at the workplacedig deeper to find out what remains unsaid. 

If there are other people involved, speak with them as well to get a 360-degree view of the matter, and try to find out the underlying reason for the conflict. 

Find a Common Goal 

For resolving conflicts at the workplace, find a common objective to which both parties agree. Sit with both the parties and discuss the matter so that all can reach a common ground. 

Agree to the Best Solution 

Once you reach common ground, this is the time to find a solution. As a mediator, look for a solution that both parties are comfortable with.

Take Preventive Measures 

Don’t think that the issue is resolved. Communication may subside the issue for a while, but there is no guarantee that it will never erupt. So, look for a sustainable way to deal with workplace conflicts. 

While talking about preventive measures, here are some common yet effective strategies to follow. 

Communication

One of the most common causes of workplace conflicts is lack of communication. Sometimes, employees get confused about their job roles which lead to conflict. In that case, improving communication can help reduce confusion among the employees. 

A Formal Complaint Process

Create a formal complaint process. Let your team know how to file a complaint. They must file a written complaint and submit it to the HR manager. 

Stop Avoiding the Conflict

Take action at the nascent stage before the conflict intensifies. Avoiding it at the initial stage can prove detrimental.  

Create a Healthy Environment

A healthy environment provides an opportunity to collaborate with others and create healthy relationships. Promote an environment where teams collaborate to complete a project.

Treat Everyone Fairly

The best way to prevent workplace conflicts is to treat everyone fairly at the workplace. Ensure there is no issue of favoritism. It will automatically reduce the chances of conflict among the employees. 

The intensity of a conflict depends on how you respond to a conflict. Stay calm, and avoid any sign that shows you agree with any of the parties. Be impartial and reasonable.

Skills Needed to Resolve Organizational Conflicts 

Empathise

Be empathetic to both parties. To end a dispute, try to understand what an individual is personally going through. Try to see things from a different perspective as that will get you a better grasp of the situation. 

Observe

Nothing can overpower a good observational skill. If a conflict is happening frequently then you need to observe every person involved in it. There are aspects that you need to focus on – tone of voice, facial expression, and avoidance of team members. 

Ask the Right Questions 

While working on resolving conflicts at the workplace it is crucial to ask relevant questions. Be mindful while asking questions to ensure you do not hurt one’s beliefs or feelings. 

Exercise Patience

To deal with the conflict you must have immense patience. At the time of a conflict, emotion runs high. If you become impatient, it will become difficult to resolve the conflict.  Stay composed to evaluate the situation before deciding. Once you have resolved the conflict, take some time off to restore your mental peace. 

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