Conflict at work is inevitable. Whether you’re working with a difficult coworker or struggling to complete a project on time, conflict is bound to happen. And while some conflict can be healthy, unresolved conflict can lead to decreased productivity, poor communication and even job satisfaction.
There are many potential causes of conflict at work. One common cause is when employees feel like they are not being treated fairly.
This can be due to things like unequal pay, favoritism, or feeling like their workload is unfairly distributed. Other causes of conflict can include personality clashes, differences in opinions or values, and communication breakdowns. When conflict does arise, it’s important to try to resolve it in a constructive way.
Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, and could even lead to workplace violence. Instead, try to open up a dialogue with the person or people you’re having difficulty with. Listen to their side of the story and try to see things from their perspective. If possible, come up with a compromise by following steps of resolving conflicts which are;
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Acknowledge that conflict exists
The first step to resolving conflict at work is acknowledging that it exists. It’s important to be aware of the signs of conflict so you can address it early on. Some common signs of conflict include:
- people avoiding each other or not talking to each other
- people getting defensive or argumentative with each other
- people withdrawing from projects or meetings
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to resolve the conflict.
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Identify the source of the conflict
Once you’ve acknowledged that there is a conflict, the next step is to identify the source of the conflict. This can be tricky, but it’s important to try to understand what is causing the conflict. Some common causes of conflict include:
- differences in opinions or values
- miscommunication
- competition for resources
- personality clashes
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Address the conflict head-on
The third step to resolving conflict at work is addressing the conflict head-on. This means having a direct conversation with the person or people involved in the conflict. It’s important to be clear about what the problem is and what you want to achieve from the conversation. It’s also important to be respectful and open-minded during the conversation.
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Find a resolution
The final step to resolving conflict at work is finding a resolution. This means coming up with a plan to solve the problem. It’s important to involve all parties in the resolution so that everyone feels like they’re being heard. Once you’ve come up with a plan, it’s important to follow through with it and make sure the conflict is actually resolved. A good start / approach is the so-called winners triangle. This will help to resolve things ammicably.
Conflict at work can be challenging, but it’s important to address it head-on. By following these four steps, you can resolve conflict quickly and effectively.
