Full-time employment usually means spending at least eight hours a day in the workplace. It can become awkward or downright intolerable when you're having a conflict with a co-worker. It can also impact your job performance and the way others perceive you. University of North California researchers found that 53 percent of workers lost some work time because of unpleasant confrontations with other employees. You must resolve the conflict to prevent or stop these problems.
Step 1
Set up a meeting with the co-worker with whom you have a conflict, the University of California advises. Conflict can only be resolved if you confront it head on. Choose a time that is convenient for both of you and allow enough time to thoroughly discuss the issue. Pick a place where you will have privacy and will not be interrupted.
Step 2
Prepare for the meeting by determining a specific goal. Think about the source of the conflict and the effect it is having on you, the other person and possibly other co-workers. The goal should involve resolution of that specific issue and mitigation of its effects. Share the goal prior to the meeting so the other person isn't taken by surprise and can properly prepare.
Step 3
Give specific examples of what you believe is fueling the conflict. Rachel Zupek of the Career Builders employment site explains that you should use neutral language. Stick to facts and examples. For example, instead of saying, "You're a dishonest person, and I'm sick of the way you always take credit for things you didn't do," say, "Last month you told our supervisor that you did the research for the sales project. You only handled 10 percent of it, while I did the other 90 percent. You did the same thing with the new product presentation in March, when I did at least 70 percent of the preparation."
Step 4
Listen to your co-worker's side of the conflict. Resist the urge to interrupt if you don't agree with what is said, the University of California advises. Each person has a different perception. You need to know the other side before you can find a solution.
Step 5
Write down the major areas of agreement and disagreement once you have both given your sides of the conflict. You may need to ask questions or request clarification of certain points, according to the University of California. Both of you should agree that the final list is accurate.
Step 6
Discuss possible solutions to the conflict. Ask your co-worker for input rather than insisting that your own ideas are right. You are more likely to resolve the problem permanently if both of you buy into the chosen resolution.
Tips and Warnings
- Stress makes you more likely to get into conflicts at work. Help Guide, a self-help website, recommends talking to others, building up a strong social support system, looking on the positive side of stressful situations and using humor as a way to cope.
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