Conflict Resolution Skills for the Workplace

Disagreements are a natural part of life. No matter what you do for work, you’ll find yourself dealing with conflict at one point or another. But while conflicts are expected, you can be prepared to handle them. Knowing how to take a disagreement and lighten the tension and find compromise is a skill every leader needs. Here, we’ve compiled a list of skills to help you ensure everyone in your group feels heard while also being able to move forward with the full support of your team.

1.??????Give everyone the chance to speak their mind

No matter the issue, every member of your team should have the opportunity to provide ideas when it comes to problem solving. Even those who are not experts in the area of interest. Often, a new perspective to an issue can offer new solutions a professional in the field may not have considered. By listening carefully to every member of your team, you help each individual know their opinion matters, even if you decide on a different solution.

While your team members are speaking, be sure to apply active listening principles. Make eye contact with the speaker and acknowledge your understanding. Concentrate on what they’re saying and ask pertinent questions. This will help your employees feel you care about their thoughts. Additionally, reacting positively to any ideas is a great way to help workers feel motivated to continue sharing their ideas in the future.

2.??????Be willing to compromise and collaborate

Bringing multiple perspectives on an issue into play often creates a better solution. Strive to be a leader who encourages compromise and collaboration, no matter the issue. Incorporating ideas from multiple people can help resolve tension between coworkers and allow you to meet your project goals without showing favoritism.

When you set an example of compromise with your employees, they’ll start to take on this challenge as well. Tensions between workers who do not see eye to eye will decrease when they begin to show good listening skills and work to make their visions a reality as they collaborate.

3.??????Prioritize resolution—not being right

If you determine that coming to a peaceful resolution is more important than being correct, you’ll find yourself mitigating a lot of conflict in your workplace. Being right feels satisfying, but it doesn’t always help your team improve. Be willing to put your pride to the side for the sake of the relationships you care about. Don’t feel that you have to sacrifice quality of work, but be willing to pursue ideas other than your own when the occasion calls for.

As you work to prioritize resolution, remember not to talk about team members behind their backs; always be polite and kind to those you work with. If a disagreement ends with heated words, apologize to those you interacted with after you’ve had a chance to calm down. Likewise, willingly forgive others when offered a sincere apology. Remember—these relationships will last far longer than the issue you’re working to solve.

4.??????Allow a third party to mediate

If the conflict truly seems unsolvable, work with a supervisor or another member of your team who is less closely involved with the issue at hand. They can often listen to both sides of the argument without becoming heated themselves and likely won’t hesitate to say what they truly think and feel about the situation. Likewise, when you’re already on edge, sometimes it helps to know neither you nor the person you’re contending with is making the final decision.

Do you incorporate these conflict resolution skills in your workplace? How have you seen them change the relationship of those on your team?

The University of Utah Executive Education program offers an incredible course on conflict management and resolution. As you learn from an experienced faculty member in the David Eccles Business School, you'll gather the tools you need to succeed individually and within your organization. The class takes place over two days. Learn more and see the next offered dates for the course here.

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