How can you negotiate interdepartmental conflicts while maintaining positive relationships?

1 Identify the root cause

Before you engage in any negotiation, you need to understand the source and nature of the conflict. Is it a matter of resources, deadlines, expectations, communication, or values? What are the interests and needs of each party? How does the conflict affect the overall goals and mission of the organization? By answering these questions, you can clarify the problem and avoid assumptions, misunderstandings, and personal attacks.

2 Choose the right approach

Depending on the context and severity of the conflict, you may need to adopt a different strategy to resolve it. Accommodating involves giving in to the other party's demands, sacrificing your own interests; while avoiding means ignoring or withdrawing from the conflict. Competing involves asserting your position and trying to win the conflict, disregarding the other party's interests. Compromising involves finding a middle ground that partially satisfies both parties, giving up some of your interests; and collaborating involves working together with the other party to find a solution that fully satisfies both parties, integrating your interests. The appropriate approach varies depending on whether the issue is important or trivial, complex or simple, and so on.

4 Evaluate and follow up

After you reach a solution, evaluating its effectiveness and following up on its implementation is important. You should review the outcome to assess if it meets the interests and needs of both parties, and if it aligns with organizational goals and mission. Additionally, document the agreement by writing down the details of the solution, including roles, responsibilities, and actions of each party. Monitoring progress is also key; check in regularly with the other party, provide feedback and support as needed, and address any conflicts promptly and constructively. Interdepartmental conflicts can be difficult, but they can also be beneficial for learning, growth, and innovation. Therefore, by following these tips you can negotiate interdepartmental conflicts while preserving positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.