Unless you’ve got your head stuck in the sand, you know that conflicts happen at work. Maybe you’re embroiled in one now, and you’ve realized that resolution isn’t always easy. However, just because something is challenging doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile. In fact, you can view conflict as an opportunity to grow as a person, develop better communication skills, and foster a more open, productive environment at work.
1. Identify the Cause
Why is this conflict happening? Is it really all on the other person, or do you have some responsibility to take? Reflect honestly on your own actions. Have you contributed to the problem in any way? If you can’t admit your own fault, you can’t expect the other person to do so either. Once you’ve identified any role you’ve played, take the initiative to address it with the other person. Two major culprits for workplace conflict are often miscommunication and emotion.
Miscommunication
Often, misunderstandings lead to issues. Did you say something the other person took the wrong way? Or are you missing some important information? Miscommunication, or lack of information, is a significant source of conflict. Clarifying any confusion and ensuring all parties understand the situation can help resolve the conflict.
For instance, ask questions like:
- “Could you clarify what you meant by that?”
- “Is there something I might be missing here?” This approach not only clears up misunderstandings but also shows that you’re genuinely trying to see things from their perspective.
Emotion
Emotions can run high at work, especially as you spend more time with your colleagues and get more comfortable with them. Sometimes, conflicts at work are exacerbated by external factors, such as stress from home or other personal issues. Ask yourself whether the heightened emotion is actually tied to the workplace conflict, or if external factors are influencing behavior.
To manage emotions, try:
- Taking a break to cool down before addressing the issue.
- Practicing empathy by considering the stress or challenges the other person may be dealing with outside of work.
2. Address the Conflict
One of the biggest challenges in resolving conflict is facing it head-on. Avoidance is common because it’s uncomfortable, but avoiding the issue allows it to simmer beneath the surface, which can harm the overall work environment.
Set the Right Tone
When addressing the conflict, choose your words carefully. Start by admitting any responsibility you have in the matter, as this demonstrates accountability. Then, calmly and respectfully bring up the actions or behaviors that you believe the other person contributed. Avoid accusatory language like “You always do this…” and instead, frame your statements around your own feelings and experiences. For example:
- “I felt frustrated when…”
- “I noticed that when this happened, it led to…”
This approach reduces the likelihood of the other person becoming defensive and opens up space for a more constructive conversation.
Choose the Right Setting
Sometimes, the office isn’t the best place to resolve conflicts due to the distractions and potential for interruptions. If the situation feels too tense, suggest meeting outside of work for coffee or lunch to discuss the matter in a neutral, more relaxed environment. This allows for open dialogue without the pressures of the workplace looming overhead.
Stay Focused and Avoid Gossip
It’s tempting to seek validation or sympathy from others when you’re dealing with a conflict, but gossiping with colleagues about the situation only fuels negativity and can damage trust. Address the conflict directly with the person involved, not with others in the office. If you need a third party, such as a mediator or HR representative, that’s one thing – but keep the discussion as private as possible to avoid escalating the issue.
Look for a Win-Win Solution
When resolving conflict, aim for a solution that benefits both parties. This doesn’t mean both will get everything they want, but it does mean finding common ground that allows both sides to move forward. A win-win approach shows you’re invested in finding a resolution that strengthens the relationship, rather than simply trying to “win” the argument.
You can use questions like:
- “What can we do to ensure this doesn’t happen again?”
- “How can we work together moving forward?”
This collaborative attitude helps build trust and ensures that both parties feel heard.
Seek Help When Needed
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, resolving a conflict on your own isn’t possible. If the situation escalates or remains unresolved, it may be time to bring in a mediator, such as a manager, HR professional, or an external consultant trained in conflict resolution. A neutral third party can facilitate the conversation, ensuring that both sides are heard and guiding you toward a fair resolution.
3. Prevent Future Conflicts
Once the issue is resolved, it’s important to reflect on how to prevent similar conflicts in the future. This might mean improving communication habits, setting clearer boundaries, or adjusting how you respond to stress at work. Regular check-ins with your colleagues and team members can also help address minor issues before they snowball into bigger conflicts.
Final Thoughts
No matter how much you enjoy your workplace and colleagues, conflicts are inevitable. Whether you’re a direct participant or simply observing, you will likely encounter workplace conflict at some point. By choosing to address the issue in a smart, respectful, and constructive way, you can resolve the problem and even strengthen relationships. Don’t let emotions or continued miscommunication fester. Address the problem promptly, and then refocus on the work you love in a healthier, more productive environment.
Effective conflict resolution not only improves the workplace but also contributes to your personal and professional growth.
About Allen Recruitment
We are a team of expert recruitment consultants with offices in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium and Poland, providing recruitment solutions and job opportunities all over Europe.
We offer temporary, permanent, contract and contingency roles in a variety of industries such as IT, Tech, Finance, Telecom, E-commerce, Engineering and more.
Posted in: Career Resources
