Your team is experiencing conflict. What can you do to resolve it?

2 Listen actively

The second step to resolve conflict is to listen actively and empathetically to all parties involved. Listening means not only hearing what others are saying, but also understanding their feelings, needs, and perspectives. Listening also means avoiding interruptions, judgments, assumptions, and distractions. By listening actively, you can show respect, build trust, and gain insight into the root causes and possible solutions of the conflict.

3 Communicate assertively

The third step to resolve conflict is to communicate assertively and respectfully with all parties involved. Communicating assertively means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and honest way, without being aggressive or passive. Communicating respectfully means using polite and professional language, avoiding personal attacks, insults, or blame, and acknowledging the other person's point of view. By communicating assertively and respectfully, you can avoid misunderstandings, defensiveness, and escalation of the conflict.

4 Seek common ground

The fourth step to resolve conflict is to seek common ground and mutual interests with all parties involved. Seeking common ground means finding areas of agreement, shared values, or common goals that can help bridge the gap between different positions. Seeking mutual interests means understanding what each party wants and needs from the situation and how they can benefit from a positive outcome. By seeking common ground and mutual interests, you can create a win-win situation and foster cooperation and collaboration.

5 Generate options

The fifth step to resolve conflict is to generate options and alternatives with all parties involved. Generating options means brainstorming and exploring different ways to solve the problem, without evaluating or criticizing them at first. Generating alternatives means considering different scenarios, trade-offs, or compromises that can satisfy each party's interests and needs. By generating options and alternatives, you can expand the range of possible solutions and increase the chances of finding a mutually acceptable one.

6 Implement and evaluate

The sixth and final step to resolve conflict is to implement and evaluate the agreed solution with all parties involved. Implementing the solution means taking action and following through on the commitments and responsibilities that each party has agreed to. Evaluating the solution means monitoring and measuring the results and impacts of the solution, and providing feedback and recognition to each party. By implementing and evaluating the solution, you can ensure its effectiveness and sustainability, and prevent future conflicts.