7 Tips for Managing Conflict in the Workplace
Conflict is expected in the workplace and our career colleges are no exceptions. Though conflict is rarely resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, it still can be positive as long as it’s managed effectively. A few basic pointers can help:
7 Tips for Managing Conflict in the Workplace
- Balance your battles – stand your ground on issues that are important to you, but avoid fighting every workplace battle
- Focus on the issues and not on the personalities - concentrate on solutions to the problem rather than on who’s at fault
- Be respectful of your employees’ positions and opinions
- Encourage feedback – conflict is often the result of a miscommunication or misconception
- Allow time for everyone to get their emotions in check – it may be the wrong time to address the conflict
- Get agreement as to what really needs to be resolved – sometimes what appears to be a conflict really isn’t.
- Be flexible - You may have to compromise one point in order to gain another
As a trained conflict resolution facilitator the number one biggest mistake I've seen (and have done when I was just getting started) is not fully listening to the complaint prior to rushing to resolution. (#2 above should be "2A. LISTEN to the issue, then 2B. concentrate on solution.") Often, the people involved need to feel heard...completely...before they will trust anyone trying to assist with a resolution. And, when listening fully, I cannot tell you how many times everyone realized the issue wasn't really the issue once the people involved had the opportunity to talk it through. So, the solution may never have fixed the problem if it was applied to the wrong issue.
Good luck everyone!
Always be respectful, but stand your ground. My rule is composure, think of a solution for the conflict and approach the situation only with poise and control.
Maintain professionalism is the key to dealing with conflict on the workplace. Respect your co-workers and be careful about expressing your opinion.
These are great tips, one thing I like to ask my self before acting, "Will this matter to me in 6 months?" If I say no, it gives me the freedom to let it go. If I say yes, I plan what to say to get the results I desire. It's always better to act than to react.
