Conflict Management Skills

As much as we'd all love to work in an organization that's free from disagreements and conflicts, we know that we can't.?

Conflict refers to a disagreement or argument, which can arise in various circumstances and settings, including the workplace. When there is conflict, it’s important to understand how to navigate and resolve it.

Conflicts in the workplace can sometimes arise when two or more parties have different objectives, opinions or styles. Conflict resolution is the art of addressing those differences and finding a common ground that enables everyone to work together peacefully.

In this post, we'll review different conflict management skills and conflict resolution strategies you can use to navigate a conflict.

Conflict resolution is the process in which two or more parties work toward a solution to a problem or dispute. The parties involved work together to achieve a solution that solves the problem in a way that is productive.?

????????Conflict Management Skills

Conflict management can be approached using a variety of different styles. While these styles may differ, every method utilizes the same management skills. To successfully manage conflict, you’ll need to hound each of these skills and learn the right time to exercise each one. Below are some of the core skills and characteristics that you’ll need to adopt if you want to effectively manage workplace conflicts.

1. Active Listening

Active listening focuses on being attentive to what the other person has to say. This skill is commonly used by salespeople to better connect with customers during a pitch, but it’s also a universal competency that any consummate professional should master.

2. Bias for action

Having a bias for action means assertively seeking out the next steps rather than waiting for someone else to do something. In conflict resolution, this could manifest as a coworker noticing they may have upset someone else and actively seeking to address that with them as soon as possible.

A manager could also realize there is a conflict taking place and step in to resolve the conflict before too much time has passed.

3. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence describes the ability to perceive and understand other peoples’ emotions as well as your own. This skill is essential when managing conflict because it prevents the situation from escalating. If you can effectively interpret your opposition’s emotions, it’ll be easier to communicate with them without provoking them. Recognizing and curtailing confusion, anger, and frustration from the conflict leaves space for everyone involved to think creatively and logically about a solution.

4. Patience

It’s important to keep in mind that the problem may not be solved right away, even if the solution is obvious. Ideally, you’ll want to take the time to listen to every participant and value each argument evenly. Even if there’s a clear answer, rushing to a resolution can make people feel like they’re left out in the decision-making process. Taking the time to equally consider all options now can help create a long-term solution that will save you a headache later.

5. Facilitation

When there is conflict, you can arrange the environment around you to make resolution easier. For example, a manager who oversees two different groups might bring those groups together in a comfortable conference room to address points of disagreement on a joint project. Providing time and space for discussion can facilitate a speedy end to the conflict.

6. Impartiality

Another reason conflicts can be difficult to resolve is because they don’t always stay focused on the conflict itself. The conflict can sometimes serve as an opportunity to air previous grievances that have developed between the involved parties over time. Now, the problem at hand can’t be resolved until the historical issues are addressed.

7. Positivity

Being positive with your conflict management actions is a great way to keep the conversation moving forward. Conflicts are full of roadblocks and you’ll need to be willing to overcome them if you want to come to a resolution. Having a positive attitude going into the conflict can help other participants who may be wary of the interaction feel more at ease.

Conflict doesn't have to be a scary eight-letter word. Addressing conflict is how we strengthen our relationships and express our expectations in relation to those of others. By understanding the conflict resolution strategies and applying the skills that make them effective, you’ll know exactly when to avoid conflict and when to address it. Your relationships with your coworkers and customers will be better for it.

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