Conflict is inevitable, messy and undesirable.
It is impossible to escape conflict but unresolved conflict is sure to create a distraction, unproductive and negative working environment. In fact, conflict escalates if not dealt proactively and properly creating barriers to cooperation and collaboration.
The presence of conflict in workplace is not necessarily a negative thing. If conflict is resolved effectively, it can lead to personal and professional growth. We tend to head in the opposite direction with different opinions in organization where there are different people with different goals, skills, belief, values, and needs.
Either healthy or unhealthy, conflict is worthy of your immediate attention. However conflict does not resolve itself, you should make some effort to extinguish it as soon as you can, or it will jeopardize the whole ecosystem.
Here are the few tips to help you navigate conflicts at a workplace.
1. Embrace conflict
Embrace conflict should be addressed before it become toxic. As time goes on, conflicts get worse, and it gets difficult to resolve issues fairly and swiftly.
Handling conflict soon can prevent bad feelings to fester. Remember professionalism and mutual respect is the key.
2. Talk together and Listen carefully
Listen to understand. Be open to the other person's interest and perspective. Unlike emails and phone calls, its better meeting in person to resolve conflict.
Keep your conversation goal oriented and avoid responding negatively. Again this is not the time to attack or assign blame.
3. Find agreement
Keep the spotlight on finding solutions. Discuss the problem calmly, and look for ways to meet each other in middle. Attack the problem not the person.
In case a mutually acceptable outcome isn't possible, stick to facts while ensuring no personal feelings or agendas in the situations. Else asking for third party help may be the best approach to make sure conflict is handled impartially.
4. Be quick to forgive and apologize
Forgiveness is the vital to move on. Don’t hold grudges. It is difficult to maintain good relationship is you can’t get past these feelings.
Evaluate your behaviors and apologize for your part in the conflict. Clearly and concisely acknowledge what you did wrong while you say SORRY.
Conflict once dealt and resolved should be taken as an opportunity to learn about your maturity in adverse circumstances. Focus on future, not the past. Analyze what went wrong, learn from the experience and improve yourself. Once sorted you need to start focusing on what should you do differently to prevent such happenings next time.