Conflict Resolution In The Workplace

Recurring conflicts and clashes in the workplace are a sure recipe for disaster. Many a times, you feel the tension in the office. At times, the work place can be a real snake pit. With all the hissing and heckling around, it is best to resolve the conflicts before they spiral out of control. If there is no proper forum to express their feelings, employees might retreat to their shells, and may not discuss the problems that they face. These resentments between the employees and employer create an unpleasant atmosphere, giving rise to ‘office politics’. When faced with conflict, employees adopt a policy of fight or flight. You tend to either defend yourself or leave the place. No one likes to get involved in grimy conflicts. It can create a very isolated and destructive atmosphere. The ability to resolve conflict is a valuable skill to have in a workplace. While dealing with conflicts, you should always keep your main objectives and the relationship at stake, in mind. In any challenge, at best, there is a winner and a loser; when faced with such a scenario, you are forced to choose sides. Conflicts managed badly can hinder individual performances, as well as team performances. If taken positively, conflicts can act as a catalyst for improved team performance. If managed well, it can lead to better creative ideas, higher quality output, and sound decisions, from the employees. Scroll down the lines to know few ways of tackling conflicts at the workplace. 

 

Be Firm And Believe In Yourself
The participants of conflict in the workplace habitually use terror tactics to intimidate their opponents. If you believe in the worth of the goal, and are convinced of the merits, do not give up. Face conflict in a reliable manner and stay true to yourself. 

Keep Away From A Win-Lose Solution
When the goals and the relationships are important, it is in your best interest to resolve the problem as harmoniously as possible. A mutual agreement is the best possible solution for both the parties concerned. 

Uphold Vital Business Relationships
Prioritize your long term and short-term objectives. Think about the effects that such a situation will have on your relationships, and on your objectives. 

Respect For Time
Do not waste your valuable time bickering over who is right and who is wrong. Also, do not give your version of what is right. Ultimately, a decision has to be made to solve the conflict. Sometimes, the best resolution is to neither agree nor disagree, but instead choose a common ground to work upon. 

Learn To Negotiate
Negotiation promote healthy arguments. It encourages clear thoughts and concepts. Have a flexible approach to the conflicts. Negotiation is an important skill, and it will lead you to success in making decisions. 

Keep Things Light And Humorous
Have a good sense of humor, and an open mind. Conflict situations can be quite uncomfortable. So, taking things light and hearty is always a positive strategy. 

Value The Principles Of The Organization
Trying to please everyone is unhealthy, and next to impossible. Not every rule or every situation will be liked by all. Do not compromise on the principles of your organization by trying to preach each and all. Make it clear that certain things are non-negotiable. Do not compromise on the long-term strength of the organization. 

Use Neutral Language
Avoid generalizing situations, and passing judgmental remarks. Use a calm, dignified, and neutral language to describe the conflict that is bothering you. Be respectful, honest, and sincere, and never be sarcastic. 

Encourage People To Communicate
To figure out the real problems get the people talking. Talk to them individually, as communication in a group tends to cause more trouble. In a group, people tend to modulate their feelings and get defensive. Work on resolving conflict, avoiding dirt. 

Avoid Playing Favorites
Everyone has favorites but don’t let that change how you deal with people in conflict situations. Don’t let personal favoritism shade your impartiality. It’s fine to like some people but it is incorrect to act on favoritism in an unfair way. 

Be An Active Listener
Be a good listener. Listen attentively, and try to understand what the other person is saying. Never cut short the other party. Let him or her know that you understand, by reiterating his/her statement or position, so that he/she knows you have certainly heard him.