How To Tackle Conflict In The Workplace

Conflict is inevitable in all walks of life, even at work. With Conflict Resolution Day coming up tomorrow we thought this was the ideal time to share some tips on conflict resolution in the workplace.

As a manager, it can be hard to acknowledge tension within a team or the workplace in general, but it is of the utmost importance that it is recognised and tackled as soon as possible. Being able to resolve issues within a team and steer the situation toward a positive outcome is unquestionably a key skill for any manager.

There are a number of strategies and methods for managers to take into account when it comes to conflict management. Here are a few hints and tips to help the process run as smoothly as possible, and help any issues be officially resolved:

  • Remember that resolving tensions can be a process. Managers need to be able to get to the source of the issue and work from there – talk with the team about what’s happened, what needs to be done and what solution can be implemented.
  • If the problem is personal and can be boiled down to individuals within a team having differing opinions, be sure to recognise both sides of the story. Discuss with the employees who are in conflict why they feel the way they do, and try to encourage them to appreciate the other person’s point of view.
  • There may also be external conflict – between a company and client, for example. This must be addressed as well, depending on the amount of control you have over the situation. Make sure you recognise which conflicts need resolving as soon as possible and focus on what you can change.
  • Finally, the path on which a project is headed can often cause issues, with different decision makers arguing over which way it should go. Try to organise a non-confrontational meeting to allow everyone to express their opinions and end on a universal decision to take a specific route with the project.

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