What’s the best way to resolve a conflict in the workplace?
To help you use the best ways to resolve conflicts in the workplace, we asked HR and people managers this question for their best advice. From having a proactive conflict resolution plan to confronting issues before they get out of hand, there are several approaches that you may take to resolve conflicts among employees in the workplace.
Here are seven ways to resolve conflict in the workplace:
- Have a Proactive Conflict Resolution Plan
- Gather Everyone Involved and Be Transparent
- Refrain From Forcing a Resolution
- Separate First Then Bring Together
- Establish Clear Boundaries
- Understand The Different Perspectives Involved
- Confront Issues Before They Get Out of Hand
Have a Proactive Conflict Resolution Plan
The best way to resolve conflict in the workplace is to have an established conflict management process in place. When employees are already aware of the procedure for workplace conflict it will make the guidance of resolution much smoother. This process should start with an away from other employees mediation of the two parties that are in conflict and their superior. This is where they can both neutrally air their thoughts and try to come to a compromised solution. This usually is the quickest and most efficient way of resolving conflict in the workplace.
Mark Smith, University of Advancing Technology
Gather Everyone Involved and Be Transparent
The best way to resolve a conflict in the workplace is to gather everyone involved and be transparent about the issue. Conflicts, fights, or any issue that’s starting in the workplace is the last thing any boss or co-worker would want to happen and if one ever does occur, it should always be resolved as quickly as possible. By far the best way to do this is to make sure to gather everyone who was directly involved in the incident, ask for transparency, and then make sure every person gets a chance to talk about what created the issue. Being transparent is key here, as every person’s honesty and feelings will be needed to come up with a fair solution that everyone agrees on.
Himanshu Agarwal, WorkBoard
Refrain From Forcing a Resolution
As a manager, know that you can put two employees in a position to reconcile, but it’s up to them to ultimately make that decision. Workplace grudges and unresolved conflicts can undermine the sense of community in a workplace, but ultimately it’s the conflicting parties who decide when an argument is truly over.
The best tactic I find is to create an opening for conversation where both employees can discuss their disagreement frankly without fear of repercussions from the management. But after that, it’s up to them. A manager that leans too hard on employees, trying to force a resolution, might do more harm than good.
Rob Bartlett, WTFast
Separate First Then Bring Together
My favorite approach to resolving conflict in the workplace is what I refer to as divide and unite. It is just what it sounds like, too. Once the conflict arises it is important to first separate the two people (or however many there are) in conflict. This will diffuse the intensity and provide everyone an opportunity to gather themselves if needed and reflect on what just transpired.
Next, it is important to give all parties involved an objective ear to explain their version of events. In most cases everyone will think they are in the right and will feel strongly about that. It is necessary to give their frustrations credibility when warranted, but also not choose sides. Once you have a grasp on the situation and identify a path forward it is time to bring them back together to seek resolution, air any grievances, and move forward as a united team.
Devin Schumacher, SERP
Establish Clear Boundaries
Rude or disrespectful colleagues in the office can be verbal or physical, such as shouting at coworkers or damaging company property, for example. Managers need to set clear expectations for what is appropriate work behavior. Kindness is encouraged in the office, however, when kindness turns into hostility, it’s important to find a resolution as soon as possible. Leaders should provide feedback to employees who act aggressive and encourage alternative, more supportive methods when reacting to a situation. If the conflict doesn’t improve, enforcing the rules is the next step. Establishing boundaries in the office is critical to ensure situations don’t escalate and should be handled directly and calmly.
Jodi Neuhauser, Ovaterra
Understand The Different Perspectives Involved
The best way to resolve a conflict in the workplace is first to try to understand the other person’s perspective. Often, we get wrapped up in our own view of things, and we don’t take the time to see things from the other person’s point of view. Once you understand where the other person is coming from, you can begin to look for common ground and work towards a resolution. If you can’t find common ground, it might be helpful to get a third party involved who can help mediate the situation.
Gino Louise Reichert, LSAT Prep Hero
Confront Issues Before They Get Out of Hand
So many people avoid conflict because they’re scared of the “what ifs.” What if I make it worse? What if I make them cry? What if they attack me and I don’t know how to respond? Our focus on the doom and gloom makes us hit the snooze button…we hold back and hope it will get better on its own. This rarely, if ever, happens.
The best approach is always to face it head-on–before it gets out of hand. As soon as you realize there’s a problem, gently raise the issue and ask the person to speak with you about it. Don’t be afraid to say how the issue is emotionally affecting you and why you feel it’s important enough to discuss. I’ve found this helps the person know you’re coming from a place of respect and genuine concern.
Courtney Ramsey, Courtney Ramsey Speaks, LLC
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