How can you resolve conflict as a software engineer?

2 Seek a common goal

The next step to resolve conflict is to find a common goal that both parties can agree on and work towards. For example, if you are working on an e-commerce project, your common goal may be to deliver a high-quality product that meets the customer's needs and generates revenue. To seek a common goal, you need to focus on the problem, not the person, and emphasize the benefits of cooperation, not competition. You also need to acknowledge the other party's strengths, contributions, and concerns, and show appreciation and respect.

4 Negotiate a compromise

The fourth step to resolve conflict is to negotiate a compromise that both parties can accept and commit to. For example, if you have a conflict over the deadline of an e-commerce project, you can negotiate a trade-off between scope, quality, and time, and agree on a realistic and achievable schedule. To negotiate a compromise, you need to be assertive, but not aggressive, and express your needs, but not your demands. You also need to be willing to make concessions, but not to sacrifice your core values or principles.

5 Implement the solution

The fifth step to resolve conflict is to implement the solution that you have agreed on and monitor its progress and outcomes. For example, if you have resolved a conflict over the code quality of an e-commerce project, you can implement the solution by following the agreed coding standards, conducting code reviews, and testing the code regularly. To implement the solution, you need to be accountable, responsible, and transparent, and communicate clearly and frequently with the other party. You also need to be adaptable, responsive, and proactive, and address any issues or challenges that may arise.

6 Learn from the experience

The sixth and final step to resolve conflict is to learn from the experience and improve your skills and relationships. For example, if you have resolved a conflict over the testing of an e-commerce project, you can learn from the experience by reflecting on what went well and what went wrong, and identifying the lessons and action points. You can also solicit feedback from the other party and share your insights and suggestions. To learn from the experience, you need to be humble, honest, and constructive, and avoid repeating the same mistakes or creating new conflicts.