Conflict is not strange and disagreements are not bad. In fact, being able to disagree openly speaks volumes about the culture of your organization. It is an inevitable part of any workplace. It can arise from differences in personality, work style, or it can boil down to a difference in opinion. However, how you resolve conflict can have a significant impact on the success of a company. Poorly managed conflict can lead to an array of issues.
A professor at Georgetown University conducted a study of individuals from more than 25 different businesses and countries. The survey concluded that disrespectful conduct is spreading and on the rise. Disagreements are unavoidable when individuals have different perspectives on the same issues; however, navigating workplace disagreements is never easy.
Here are five ways to manage and resolve conflict in the workplace.
1. Encourage open communication
This means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns. Encourage employees to speak up when they have an issue and provide opportunities for them to do so. This can be done through regular team meetings, one-on-one discussions, or suggestion boxes.
2. Address conflict early
Addressing conflict early is crucial to preventing it from escalating. Managers should be trained to recognize the signs of conflict and proactively address it. This may involve having a private conversation with the employees, mediating a discussion, or bringing in a third party to help resolve the issue.
3. Focus on the problem, not the person
When dealing with conflict, it is important to focus on the problem, not the person. This means avoiding personal attacks and instead focusing on the issue at hand. Encourage employees to be specific about what is bothering them and to avoid making assumptions about the other person’s intentions or motivations.
4. Find a mutually beneficial solution
When resolving conflict, it is important to find a solution that is mutually beneficial. This means finding a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. This may involve compromise, creative problem-solving, or finding a win-win solution.
5. Follow up
Following up on a conflict resolution is important to ensure it is effective. This may involve checking in with employees involved in the conflict to see how they are doing, monitoring the situation to ensure that the conflict does not resurface, or making changes to policies or procedures to prevent similar conflicts from occurring in the future.
Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but how it is managed can make all the difference. By encouraging open communication, addressing conflict early, focusing on the problem, finding a mutually beneficial solution, and following up, companies can effectively manage and resolve conflict in the workplace. This can lead to a more productive and positive work environment and, ultimately, increased success for the company.