Managing workplace conflict

Conflict and change are two inevitable aspects of life. Regardless of what setting you are in, conflicts are natural and indispensable. Conflicts in the workplace will also arise from time to time because all humans are not the same and butting heads occasionally is expected. However, there are various ways to handle conflict. 

1. Communication is key. Don’t just ignore the problem or hold a grudge. This will only add fuel to the fire. Meet the person at a place that you mutually agree on and talk it out. Keep an open mind and do not be on the defensive from the get-go. 
2. Emphasize certain situations or circumstances rather than talking about the personality of the person. Rather than saying “When you do this” try saying “When something like this happens”. Instead of generalizing situations, be specific about an event that caused you distress. 
3. Active listening: Listen to what the other person is saying before you respond. Most of the time we listen to reply, not to understand. Understand why the other person said or did what they did. You may realize that all of it was a misunderstanding and therefore come to a consensus sooner. Try not to interrupt when they are speaking. You may even ask questions to be clear on what was said. 
4. Prioritize the areas of disagreement. Come on the same page about what hurt each of you the most and what must be resolved at all costs. 
5. Make a plan of action. Narrow down on the most important conflict and suggest ways to resolve them. Agree to have more meetings in the future and encourage conversation if and when a conflict arises again. 
6. Praise and greet each other. Often, unknowingly, we develop an aversion to each other because we feel they don’t like us. By simply acknowledging them with a greeting when we pass by them in the hall, or complimenting them on a job well done makes us a lot more likable, thereby giving rise to fewer conflicts.