What strategies can you use to resolve workplace disputes?

Best organizations seldom come across work place related conflicts and disputes. However, in view of current scenario, in which people face a host of personal, domestic, work related and other social issues, the conflicts and disputes cannot be ruled out. There must be a set of strategies to resolve them amicably without compromising on the organizational performance. First & the foremost factor that is helpful in resolving such disputes is active listening. Active and impartial listening of both the parties/persons involved in a dispute is the cornerstone of successful dispute resolution. A good leader blessed with best characteristics always listens to both parties actively & impartially . Partiality will prove counterproductive.

Listening and acknowledging was every party contributes is the foundation for the building of trust. To establish that patience, foresee and empathy are needed. If I was open to listen to my dads voice I hear what he missed and whats important and I can ask. Asking questions and let everyone share their knowledge and perspectives suppports the creation of solutions for the community/the bigger picture.

A great leader always makes all out efforts to avoid conflicts and disputes at the workplace. To do this he is always open and accessible to all the colleagues keeping his doors open for free and fair dialogue. With this quality all the led feel no hesitation in expressing their workplace related issues/complaints. When the leader or manager is communicative, he remains abreast with all the positive and/or negative things taking place. On finding some negativity or start of an issue/dispute, he freely and openly intervenes to resolve it in a timely manner.

Arbitration or mediation is one of the best qualities of a leader to affect an atmosphere free from issues, disputes and conflicts at the workplace. If a manager/leader possesses this trait, he is always at an ease to face and/or resolve the issues, disputes amongst workplace colleagues amicably, easily and peacefully. All those involved in an issue never seek someone's support to end the dispute openly but in their hearts, they have a strong desire that there must be someone who shall end this conflict through open dialogue and mediation. Accordingly, leaders blessed with this trait find an ease to diffuse the tensions or disputes amongst workplace colleagues through mediation.

Organization having clear policies on prevention of workplace conflicts always strive to ensure that each employee is well aware of such policies in detail. These policies have clear guidelines to avoid disputes/conflicts besides mentioning the awards and rewards for those who involve in conflicts/disputes. Therefore, formulation, development and periodic improvement of Workplace Disputes Policies must be kept updated and within reach of all the employees.

In order to ensure that workplaces remain tension free and no disputes or conflicts take place then the senior leadership must strive to invest in the Conflict Resolution Training of their Managers/Management. This is an investment, which always accrues best possible rewarding dividends. It is because, organizations without conflicts/disputes always produce best possible results and meet all the objectives, whereas, workplaces where conflicts and disputes are common their the performance declines, resources and time go waste and reputation also deteriorates.