Workplace Conflict: Resolving Issues the Right Way
Workplace conflict can tear a team apart. It is an inevitable thing for every business to have two or more employees butt heads on something. How you deal with these problems can make the difference. Are you currently dealing with workplace conflict among your employees? Do you want to prepare for future issues that may arise by thinking ahead? We have prepared a list of things you can do to resolve conflicts between your employees.
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Conflict is natural
Realize, first of all, that it isn’t unnatural for conflict to arise between two people who must work together. There will be employees who butt heads over minute details. You will need to deal with arguments, disagreements, and fights sometimes. Recognizing the absolute certainty of workplace conflict is necessary in order to determine the resolution.
Avoid making decisions without hearing all sides
Sometimes our first gut instinct is to rush to a conclusion the first time we hear one side tell their story, if it is compelling enough. Unfortunately, not only is this unfair to those who don’t get to say their piece, but it can give people the impression that you don’t care. Always approach workplace conflict with the intent of hearing everyone to describe their recount of events.
Avoid making decisions while angry
Workplace conflict can make you angry. This is especially the case if it involves loss of product, sales, productivity, or anything else that may harm your company directly. However, making decisions while you’re angry may lead to other unintended consequences. You may make a decision that you’ll regret when you’ve calmed down, such as firing a good employee who did nothing wrong. Always calm down first before making any decisions.
Resolve issues as quickly as possible
Conflict can be quite disastrous to productivity. Sometimes, it can even halt workflow for an entire team for long periods of time. If a crucial project needs to be finished, and two parties can’t seem to work together peacefully on it, the project won’t get finished. Making a quick decision about workplace conflict means that workplace conditions can return to (about) normal with less downtime.
Don’t outright dismiss someone
It is important that every voice is heard and accepted. If someone’s feeling are hurt by the conflict, do not end the conversation by dismissing their feelings. They will likely never come to you with any other problems again, including even more serious problems. Even if you don’t understand the conflict yourself, try to put yourself in their shoes and attempt to sympathize. Gain trust with your employees; make yourself approachable and understanding.