What are the most effective negotiation techniques for resolving conflicts in the workplace?

1 Identify the root cause

Before you start negotiating, you need to understand what is causing the conflict and what each party wants and needs. Sometimes, conflicts arise from misunderstandings, assumptions, or different perspectives, rather than from incompatible goals or interests. By identifying the root cause, you can avoid wasting time and energy on irrelevant or superficial issues and focus on the core problem. You can use active listening, open-ended questions, and paraphrasing to clarify the situation and show empathy.

2 Choose the right approach

Depending on the nature and intensity of the conflict, you may need to choose a different approach to negotiate. There are five main approaches to conflict resolution: competing, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and collaborating. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to consider the relationship, the importance, and the urgency of the issue. For example, if the issue is trivial or the relationship is low-priority, you may choose to avoid or accommodate. If the issue is moderate or the relationship is balanced, you may choose to compromise. If the issue is critical or the relationship is high-priority, you may choose to collaborate.

3 Seek mutual gains

One of the most effective negotiation techniques for resolving conflicts in the workplace is to seek mutual gains, rather than to win or lose. This means that you try to find solutions that satisfy both parties' interests and needs, rather than to impose your position or to give in to the other party's demands. To seek mutual gains, you need to explore options, generate alternatives, and evaluate criteria. You also need to communicate your interests, not your positions, and to understand the other party's interests, not their positions.

4 Use objective standards

Another effective negotiation technique for resolving conflicts in the workplace is to use objective standards, rather than to rely on subjective opinions or emotions. Objective standards are external criteria that can help you justify your proposals and evaluate the fairness of the outcomes. They can be based on facts, data, benchmarks, best practices, or expert opinions. By using objective standards, you can avoid arguments, biases, and personal attacks, and you can build trust and credibility.

6 Follow up and follow through

The last effective negotiation technique for resolving conflicts in the workplace is to follow up and follow through after the negotiation is over. This means that you need to confirm the agreement, document the details, and monitor the implementation. By following up and following through, you can ensure that both parties are clear and committed to the outcome, and that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. You can also use this opportunity to provide feedback, express appreciation, and strengthen the relationship.