Simmering workplace conflict can decrease your productivity, cost you a promotion or leave you without a job. Minor differences of opinion over the fairness of daily duties, performance reviews or schedule changes can eventually lead to explosive disagreements among coworkers if not resolved. There are basic skills you can use that might help you resolve workplace conflict without losing your temper or forfeiting your spot on the management ladder.
Step 1
Stay calm. Others will likely respond better when you avoid reflexive or angry responses to what you perceive as criticism or threats to your position. If necessary, take a few minutes to walk around your office or sip a glass of water to help you relax. If the conflict occurs in a meeting that you cannot leave, write a few nonsense notes on a pad and take a few deep, silent breaths before deciding how to address the issue.
Step 2
Decide whether the problem actually deserves attention or whether addressing it will help. If a co-worker made a casual remark in passing that does not affect your long-term success at work, it may not be worth the energy to resolve the issue. Workplace frustration can also arise over policies you have no control over. The best conflict resolution sometimes means developing a habit of letting go of unimportant matters or issues you cannot alter.
Step 3
Take steps to understand the nature of the conflict from the other person's perspective. Often, the only action needed for resolving conflict is clearing up basic misunderstandings. You might feel your previous co-worker has resisted taking direction from you since you became supervisor, for example. She might feel you will not allow her to take over responsibilities once considered your domain. When you ask for the other person's perspective, also confirm your respect for her viewpoint regarding the issue, according to Mind Tools.
Step 4
Stay on topic when discussing a disagreement and resist the temptation to turn constructive criticism of your project into a personal attack. If your goal includes putting out the best product possible, listening to a co-worker's ideas about making changes that improve the original idea might increase your overall success. Mind Tools also recommends you remain objective and focus on the problem that needs resolving rather than what you think about the personality of your coworker.
Step 5
Utilize effective communication skills. Maintain a relaxed posture and avoid aggressive stances, frowning or other nonverbal cues your listener might mistake for anger. Ask for clarification of casual remarks that seem to have dual meaning. Do not use vague generalizations when talking about a concern. Give specific details and use neutral language, such as "It seems to me that ..." rather than, "You made me ...."
Tips and Warnings
- Most employers have established protocols to deal with conflict in the workplace, and you may want to become familiar with the procedure if you intend to approach a coworker regarding a disagreement.
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