Not everybody at work needs to be friends. After all, you are there to get work done productively and effectively. If you make some friends and get along great with everybody, that is a bonus. But, as a rule, you don’t need to like your co-workers to get the job done. However, there is a fine line between not liking your co-workers and conflicting with them.
Conflicts are a part of the job since you spend so much time with people you wouldn’t usually choose to. However, conflicts should be dealt with in a way that allows the work to get done and for there to be peace in the office. In this article, we will go over how to deal with workplace conflicts, whether you are a manager or a worker.
1 – Find the source
Before attempting to resolve a workplace conflict, it is important to understand the root cause of the conflict. Only by identifying the source of the conflict, attempts to resolve it may provide temporary solutions or escalate the situation further. Something that is helpful when seeing a conflict arise is to try to find the other person’s perspective.
There is a concept of judging vs perceiving that helps you to understand the motives of the other party and why they are reacting the way they are. Once you find the source of the issue, you can find the best way to resolve things.
2 – Find the right approach
There are different ways to resolve conflicts that take place at work. The three most common are collaboration, compromise, and competition. Choosing the right approach is essential to achieve a successful resolution.
Collaboration involves working together to find a mutually beneficial solution. This approach involves open communication, active listening, and sharing ideas. It can be effective when both parties are committed to finding a solution and are willing to compromise.
Compromise involves finding a middle ground between the two opposing positions. This approach requires both parties to give up something to resolve the matter. It’s most effective when both parties are willing to make concessions and find a solution that benefits everyone.
Lastly, competition involves each party trying to win the conflict. This approach is only sometimes effective and can sometimes escalate the conflict. However, in some situations, competition can be the most appropriate approach, especially when there are clear rules and regulations in place.
3 – Communication strategies
Effective communication is critical to resolving work conflicts. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and poor communication can often exacerbate conflicts.
Active listening is a strategy that involves giving the other person your full attention and showing empathy and understanding of their perspective. It requires you to listen to their concerns, ideas, and feelings without interrupting or judging them.
Blaming the other person can escalate the conflict and make it more difficult to find a resolution. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who is at fault. Instead, focus on the problem and work together to find a solution.
