Conflicts are bound to happen in any workplace. When two or more people are working together, there will inevitably be disagreements at some point.
At my company, we try to take a proactive approach by staying on top of conflicts and handing them when they arise.
I admit, it’s easier in our headquarters where we have little staff but still, when there are employees who do not like each other or when supervisor staff butt heads with those they manage, it gets even more difficult.
The key to resolving conflicts effectively is to have the right tools and strategies in your toolbox.
Here are a few tips for handling disputes in the office so conflicts can be managed efficiently and a productive work environment can be maintained.
One of the most important things to remember when resolving conflicts is to have all parties remain calm.
As you can imagine, in situations when you’ve lost your cool, it can be difficult to keep calm when you feel like you are being attacked, but getting angry will only make the situation worse.
Whether you’re the one who needs to be talked off the ledge or not when getting worked up; taking a few deep breaths and refocusing thoughts can help regulate the temperature. Once calmed down, conflicts can be approached with a clear head.
Another helpful tip is to have each party acknowledge when assumptions have been made about the other. It is also important to acknowledge how those preconceived notions have contributed to conclusions.
No one can really know what the other person is thinking or feeling.
It is easy to jump to conclusions when we are in the middle of a dispute. This rarely leads to a productive outcome. Instead, try to listen attentively to what the other person is saying and ask clarifying questions if needed.
This will help you to better understand their perspective and find common ground.
Finally, it is important to be willing to compromise when resolving conflicts. In most cases, both parties will need to make some concessions in order to reach a resolution.
If one party is not willing to budge on their position, the conflict is likely to drag on indefinitely.
However, if you are open to meeting in the middle, you can usually find a solution that satisfies everyone involved.
Ideally, these tips, when incorporated in your company policy can help resolve conflicts effectively and maintain a productive work environment.
xoxo
Nicole
