Conflict resolution skills are essential for new employees in Oil and Gas, as they often face challenging situations with diverse stakeholders, complex projects, and high-pressure deadlines. In this article, you will learn some effective ways to develop and apply these skills in your work environment.
The first step to resolving any conflict is to understand what is causing it. Is it a misunderstanding, a disagreement, a personality clash, or a competing interest? By identifying the root causes, you can avoid making assumptions, jumping to conclusions, or blaming others. Instead, you can focus on finding common ground, clarifying expectations, and addressing the real issues.
Root Cause Analysis is first step towards any conflict , so choose tool to be used for RCA , in drilling industry normally SCAT or Tap Root is used which help to identify immediate and primary root cause .. this is helping to counter root cause with proper remedial work plan to avoid reoccurrence of such conflicts and non conformance’s ..
Siempre antes de abordar un conflicto se debe tener claridad en cuanto a: 1. Dónde sucedió,? 2. Por qué sucedió? 3. Cómo sucedió? 4. Cuando sucedió? Luego de esas respuestas y consecuentes reflexiones se tiene dominio del conflicto o problema y sus mejores vías de resolución.
At the first, it needs to select right job for right people that is basic elements for any company . Normally we face this challenge and it often happens to inexperienced employees. The best way to solve it is to transfer the useful experiences of old employees and cooperate with them, control and monitor them indirectly. we have to given responsibility to them and guide them to get right answers.
Root cause, simple but not, intuitive but not. Please try to avoid your ideas and the easy assumption you do at the time of approaching a problem and while digging like being a kid and asking 5 times Why? Probably you will start finding a trend or a clue to move on to the root cause!
Identifying the cause of a conflict can be as simple as asking WHY certain actions were taken. We all see things differently. And in an environment like the oil & gas industry, typically on a drilling or production rig where there are people from all walks of life, it’s very easy for conflicts to occur due to misunderstanding. I found that asking “why” was always the best way to get the true reasoning behind actions that were misunderstood and resulted in conflict.
The second step to resolving any conflict is to listen actively and empathically to the other party. This means paying attention to what they are saying, how they are saying it, and what they are feeling. By listening actively, you can show respect, acknowledge their perspective, and ask open-ended questions. By listening empathically, you can demonstrate empathy, express your feelings, and validate their emotions.
- In my experience, listening is a great way to grow. In the initial phase, we can learn from other’s experience. In the next step, we can learn from others perspectives. And when we are at the “decision maker” position or we have subordinates, we have to listen emphatically
Oil and Gas industry employs people from multiple domains. As every domain has a phenomenal different experience and learnings over a period of time. It is of paramount importance that we try to understand very patiently and empathetically when another person (involved in the conflict) is trying to explain his point of view. This might not just give a new perspective but a also might be the correct one, irrespective of how much experience you have in your own domain.
-Most of conflict situations often take place due to a misunderstanding, or viewing the same problem from two opposite perspectives. This can be driven by a gap in expectations or perhaps a break in communication protocol. -Listening actively usually establishes grounds for mutual respect and allows all involved parties to understand the various points of view. -Once mutual understanding of goals & motives is built, resolution for any conflict simply shows up.
Si hay algo que he intentado desarrollar en este tiempo es la escucha y sobre todo la activa. Realmente aprender a escuchar me ha permitido avanzar en relaciones laborales que estaban desgastadas o sufrieron muchas idas y vueltas y hasta cambiar en minutos mi punto de vista de la situación sin necesidad de llevar el conflicto a un siguiente escalón. Claramente esto tiene que ir acompa?ado de la empatía que es una de las pocas cosas positivas que quizás nos dejó el paso del COVID.
Es un gran hábito de liderazgo, en definitiva ponerse en los zapatos de la otra parte. Entender para ser entendido, esto permitirá abrir canales de comunicación efectivos, encaminados a la resolución de conflictos.
The third step to resolving any conflict is to communicate assertively and respectfully with the other party. This means expressing your thoughts, opinions, and needs clearly, confidently, and calmly. By communicating assertively, you can avoid being passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive. By communicating respectfully, you can avoid being rude, sarcastic, or insulting. Instead, you can use positive language, constructive feedback, and "I" statements.
- An atmosphere of mutual trust and respect is crucial to sustain a healthy professional relationship. I associate trust to respect because many people these two attributes might affect each other. - Never fall into the "escalation" trap... never get into a discussion while people are nervous or stressed. First thing is to calm things down, then only can start a reasonable discussion. - As a manager, I strongly believe that you should never do to your subordinate what you wouldn't accept from your own superior. Always remember something very important: while you're talking to someone, many others are watching, and evaluating your communication silently. You may win/lose some people's respect/trust even if you've never talked to them.
Siempre la comunicación es la mejor herramienta para evitar errores, tanto desde el Ingeniero de proyectos (Programa de pozo), luego continua con el Company Man (Wellsite Supervisor) e incluye tanto al supervisor del taladro y los operadores de patio y ayudantes.
Effective communication is crucial in conflict resolution. Companies can offer training or workshops that focus on improving communication skills, such as active listening, assertiveness, and empathy. These skills can help employees better understand others' perspectives and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Comunicarse es una cosa, hablar o enviar correos es otra. Dicho esto, piensa en dos personas de tu entorno cercano y cómo haces para hablar con ellos cuando realmente necesitas su atención. Verás que cambias tonos de voz, respeto, palabras y hasta lenguaje corporal. Por esto en todo ámbito de tu vida debes pensar a quien te diriges, y dise?ar tu estrategia de respeto y asertividad para garantizar tu comunicación. Con eso lograrás mayor atención, menos errores de interpretación y un ambiento adecuado para que en esa comunicación haya idas y vueltas constructivos.
El lenguaje asertivo contribuye a construir, a encaminar de mejor manera la búsqueda de soluciones a los conflictos. Respetando los criterios y opiniones de los diferentes actores.
The fourth step to resolving any conflict is to collaborate creatively and constructively with the other party. This means working together to find a solution that satisfies both sides, rather than imposing your own agenda or compromising your values. By collaborating creatively, you can brainstorm ideas, explore options, and generate alternatives. By collaborating constructively, you can evaluate the pros and cons, negotiate the trade-offs, and agree on the action steps.
Providing opportunities for new employees to experience and resolve conflicts in real-life situations can be valuable. This can be done through simulations, group discussions, or assigning them to work on projects that require collaboration and conflict resolution.
Comúnmente todos hemos empezado como Ingenieros Junior, nuestra mayor fortaleza para prevenir los inconvenientes con el cliente es informarnos con quien vamos a tratar, desde sus preferencias en la manera de trabajar como rapidez, técnica de presentación o seguridad en lo que hacemos. Como profesional es importante compartir estos datos ya que la mala reputación no solo afecta a la persona también perjudica a la empresa de la misma manera.
The conflict happens when people have different views about spesific subgect. Normally things starts at low level and it might evolve to bigger scale if not handled at early stage. I always suggest that people should sit around the table to discuss their different views . It is recommended to provide supporting evidances and facts and not turning conflict to personall issue. Once this happens they will land to a common views.
El aporte de ideas debe ir acompa?ado de un buen criterio, el simple hecho de soltar ideas sin sentido cuándo un meeting llega al éxtasis se convierte en arma de doble sentido. En todo caso las lluvias de ideas son analizadas entre todos y las mejores saldran y brillaran con lys propia.
Conflicts can often escalate due to heightened emotions. New employees should learn to manage their emotions and remain calm and composed during conflicts. This will help them to think rationally and find a solution without getting overwhelmed by emotions.
The fifth step to resolving any conflict is to learn continuously and proactively from the experience. This means reflecting on what went well, what went wrong, and what can be improved. By learning continuously, you can identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. By learning proactively, you can seek feedback, request support, and access resources.
Criticism is an opportunity to learn. It may be rubbish or it may be a valuable insight into your own failings. If valid consider it a gift
I agreed with the point stated. Learning is not only by looking into success you achieved and did but also looking into various perspectives such as mistakes, it is hard learn experience that you gain benefit out of it with a price and it will provide such a valuable’s experience. Learning continuously and proactively for me also means you have to be truly part of this team and or key people of the project. This will surely help you gain or build up the best confidence and knowledge to yourself.
La presidente de una organización para la que laboré nos invitaba a no hablar de lecciones aprendidas cuando estabamos concluyendo un ejercicio de causa raíz. Debíamos llamarlas lecciones por aprender y solo hasta cuando se hubiera interorizado y demostrado que un hábito, un procedimiento o un estandar ya era parte del dia a dia por toda la organziación, podíamos hablar de lecciones aprendidas. Resolver un conflicto no es la meta, es el comienzo de una relación sostenible.
Encouraging employees to continuously learn and improve their conflict-resolution skills is important. Companies can provide resources such as books, articles, or online courses on conflict resolution. Additionally, regular feedback and performance evaluations can help employees identify areas for improvement and track their progress.
Literally, experience has an essential place in the oil and gas industry which makes it necessary to document the lessons learnts during various operations. Procedures and instructions should be updated and applied based on previous lessons learnts, so system will be improved gradually and experiences can be passed on to new guys.
The sixth step to resolving any conflict is to apply strategically and consistently what you have learned. This means implementing the solution, following up on the progress, and resolving any issues that arise. By applying strategically, you can align your actions with your goals, priorities, and standards. By applying consistently, you can demonstrate your commitment, accountability, and professionalism.
Considero que en el primer punto es que conozca sus competencias técnicas tomando en cuenta sus cualidades dentro de su entorno laboral le reflejara el conocimiento útil para cumplir con las responsabilidades y demostrar aptitudes de su posición en la empresa; la empresa debe asignar un custodio o coach quien lo guiara para que en determinado momento sus habilidades se denoten
Managing Director - Badr Petroleum Company, a Cheiron Energy JV | Oil & Gas Leader
Staying anchored in Purpose and by simply listening to the said (and the unsaid) : Sometimes conflicts arise simply because different people or organisations have determined that they need to do things differently towards achieving the same purpose. If we allow ourselves driven and blinded by the need to resolve (or worse win) a conflict and not listen to what is being said (or unsaid), we may lose sight of the fact that we are all wanting the same thing(s). If we choose to stay anchored in purpose and simply listen to what is said (and unsaid), conflicts will either resolve or evolve into better alternatives.
No matter the conflict, it's normally there because another (reasonable) person has a difference with you. Therefore, understanding is more important than winning. Your behavior in a conflict will largely influence future dealings with those involved - and the habits you create in dealing with others. Every conflict is a precious opportunity to improve your skills and your relationships.
Join a professional society, e.g., SPE, and serve as a committee chair or officer. That will give you practice in dealing with conflicts and difficult people outside of your job. You can then use those skills in your job.
As Henry Ford once said “Don’t find fault. Find remedy.” Focus on the situation or circumstances…not people. Be humble with our opinions and be willing to change them. Have an engaging mindset: The right approach and attitude can steer conflict more quickly into productive territory.
Understanding cultures and value of the new company is important to ensure new employees brings in added value cultures. Adaptation of positive value and depth of character, professionalism into workplace will enhance the team value. Thus, it is important to get everyone onboard with common value and behavioral understanding of company goal and objectives.