How to Deal With Conflict in the Workplace?

Conflict is a very common scenario that can be seen between any two people or groups of people. It could be between family, friends, relatives, or co-workers. Escaping conflict is next to impossible in human relationships, but it is very important that these conflicts are handled skillfully. When conflicts are on the personal front, they can be handled and even forgotten in a matter of time because of the bonding between the two parties. But, when conflict rises on the professional front, it can lead to devastating results. This is why it is even more important to handle conflicts in the workplace with great patience and skill. And, for this, it is necessary to understand the possible reasons that could give rise to conflicts. The three major causes of a conflict arising within a workplace include poor communication, unclear goals, and shoddy management practices. And, the biggest responsibility of resolving conflicts within a workplace is that of a leader or manager. This is why it is important that those in such positions are well-trained in conflict resolution techniques so that they can resolve conflicts effectively. Directors, HODs, Vice-Presidents, and all senior managers/leaders can undergo MARG’s softskills training in Bangalore that covers training of all kinds of soft skills required in the workplace by top positions, of which conflict management is also a part. Also, listed below are some practices that can help to manage conflicts effectively.

Foreseeing conflicts

You need to be able to foresee conflicts even before they arise so that you can either eliminate the cause of the conflict, or prepare solutions well in advance t handle it. This can help avoid unnecessary problems or handle the upcoming problems well; in both cases, safeguarding productive working hours.

Analyzing conflicts

If a conflict has aroused before you could foresee it, there is no option but to handle it, right? Wrong! You don't need to deal with every conflict, unless it is hindering your functioning or performance. First, analyze the conflict and evaluate its worth. If it does not hinder with one’s job performance, or if it has an only minute impact on the business, the conflict is best left unattended.

Listening impartially

A good problem solver is one who analyzes the entire scenario well. This means that you need to listen to the entire matter from all the parties involved. By trying to understand the problem from all different sides, you will be in a better position to identify what is wrong and what is right. This will assure those involved that you are keen to resolve the conflict.

Triggering a productive conversation

Just as important it is to listen to all, it is equally important to involve every input, but positively. Communicate to all the parties in neutral language while you are interacting. Don't blame anyone directly. Use impartial language while expressing your feelings. Also, make sure that nobody around is blaming the other. Put in all efforts to trigger a positive and productive conversation.

Finding a solution

After everything is done, you need to provide a solution to the problem. If you provide your own single solution, some of those might feel that you are forcing your decision on them due to the seniority power you have. So, the best possible way out is to provide a few options to resolve the problem. After providing the options, you can ask those involved for their suggestions about the same. This can help you come up with a solution that is compromising, which means you solve the conflict passively and non-violently.

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