5 Tips for Handling Conflict at Work (or Anywhere!)

Conflict is an inevitable part of life – and the workplace is no exception. Northouse (2015) defines conflict as “a felt struggle between two or more interdependent individuals over perceived incompatible differences in beliefs, values, and goals, or over differences in desires for esteem, control, and connectedness.” If conflict is so commonplace, what are some practical ways to improve the way you handle it? I’m glad you asked. Here are 5 tips for handling conflict at work (or anywhere!):

1. Define clear issues

When key issues become blurred, parties are unable to define steps to a resolution. Defining and maintaining the central issues prevents generalisations and maintains focused discussions and actions.

• Tip: Spend time to clearly articulate the issues you see and reach agreement with the other party on what the key issues are before progressing.

2. Check your emotions

Conflict often triggers a range of emotions (anxiety, anger, frustration etc.) However, when emotions overshadow clear thinking, conflict can escalate. Always check your emotions and give yourself time to re-center before taking action.

• Tip: Ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” and write down descriptive words. Consider doing something practical you enjoy e.g. exercise or listening to music.

3. Test your biases

We all have some kind of ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ – viewing people and events according to our own perception. Testing and thinking critically about our own biases when handling conflict can help with new thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

• Tip: Question the stories and narrative you have spinning around your head by asking “Why?” e.g. Why do you think you’re right? Why is there a conflict in the first place?

4. Maintain productive communication

You will almost always communicate less with those you disagree with – it’s human nature. However, parties that maintain productive and regular communication have a greater chance of successful conflict resolution.

• Tip: Set and agree on a regular cadence of communication with yourself and/or the other party and stick to it. Agree not to engage in the communication if you cannot remain productive.

5. Minimise differences, maximise similarities

When parties believe their goals are in competition with each other, they tend to adopt a competitive process to obtain those goals. This can lead to distorted beliefs – oversimplifying similarities and highlighting differences. As a result, parties falsely believe they are further apart from each other than they really may be and therefore, be less committed to finding common ground.

• Tip: Commit to believing a positive outcome is possible for both parties. Practically, you can write down each topic and/or view being discussed from each side and proactively look for synergies.

Having employees that can handle conflict better is not the only benefit for organisations – the conflict itself is also insightful. It draws attention to issues that may frustrate employees and highlights issues in organisational design, processes, systems or structures. Therefore, both employees and organisations can harness conflicts to understand different perspectives and move forward smarter and wiser.

What’s one tip you can work on improving this week? Or, what’s one tip you would add for handling conflict?

#conflict ?#organizationalbehavior ?#work ?#management ?#skills #negotiation #communication #work #tips #perspective

About?Justin Crawford

Justin believes in giving every employee purpose. He does that by helping companies translate business strategy into workforce strategies that drive aligned organisational behaviour.

With over 12 years' of international experience in the consulting, education, not-for-profit, government, consumer products, and banking and financial services industries, he is a proven partner for senior executives. Contact him today for Business Management, Transformation or Human Capital consulting.