What do you do if conflicts in your mobile app development career go unresolved?

1 Identify the source

The first step to resolving a conflict is to identify its source and understand its nature. Is it a technical issue, such as a bug, a compatibility problem, or a performance issue? Is it a communication issue, such as a misunderstanding, a lack of feedback, or a disagreement on requirements or expectations? Is it a personal issue, such as a clash of personalities, values, or work styles? By pinpointing the source of the conflict, you can tailor your approach and strategy to address it effectively.

2 Communicate clearly

The second step to resolving a conflict is to communicate clearly and respectfully with the other party or parties involved. Whether it is your client, your manager, your colleague, or your user, you need to listen to their perspective, acknowledge their feelings, and express your own thoughts and feelings. Use positive and constructive language, avoid blaming or accusing, and focus on the facts and the solutions. You can also use tools like email, chat, video call, or screen sharing to facilitate communication and avoid misunderstandings.

3 Collaborate and compromise

The third step to resolving a conflict is to collaborate and compromise with the other party or parties involved. You need to find a common ground and a mutual benefit, and be willing to make concessions and adjustments. For example, if you have a conflict with your client over the scope or the deadline of the project, you can negotiate a trade-off between features, quality, and time. If you have a conflict with your colleague over the design or the code of the app, you can brainstorm ideas, share feedback, and adopt best practices.

4 Seek help if needed

The fourth step to resolving a conflict is to seek help if needed. Sometimes, you may not be able to resolve a conflict on your own, or the conflict may escalate to a level that requires external intervention. In that case, you can seek help from a third party, such as a mediator, a mentor, a senior developer, or a human resources manager. They can help you facilitate the communication, clarify the issues, and find a fair and acceptable resolution.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step to resolving a conflict is to learn and improve from the experience. You can reflect on what caused the conflict, how you handled it, and what you can do better in the future. You can also ask for feedback from the other party or parties involved, and thank them for their cooperation and understanding. By learning and improving from the conflict, you can enhance your skills, relationships, and career as a mobile app developer.