James Metcalfe
Conflict within the workplace is as natural as it is to be expected for those spending so much time in such an enclosed space with the same people, day in and day out. However, this really doesn’t make instances of actual conflict seem any less severe than what it is to them, and it can prove to be incredibly detrimental to the individuals involved and the group company as a whole.
Below are some of the finest expert-choice tips for those team members hoping to bring about a swift resolution for those experiencing conflict.
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#1 Keep Focused On The Problems
My main piece of advice is to focus on the problem that needs to be solved. Even if the other person doesn't. What needs to happen - focus on the problem. The other person is on your team and if you can engage them in collaborative problem solving - then most conflicts go away.
Contributor: Jennifer Hancock from humanistlearning.com
#2 Is It Your Conflict?
Consider whether this is your conflict. I have a rule in my family that I now apply in the workplace also: If the conflict is between other people and does not directly impact me, I inform each of the people in the conflict that I respect them both and trust them to resolve the dispute when they are ready. I ask them not to gossip to me about the others, and (to the best of my ability) I treat them as I would have before I became aware of the conflict.
Contributor:Â Nance L. Schick from nschicklaw.com
#3 Reporting
If the conflict arises out of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, or other unlawful or harmful behavior, you might have a duty to report it. But how you report it is important, too. If you are emotionally triggered by it, allow yourself to calm down. Separate yourself from others and write down what happened, when, where, who witnessed the event(s), and why it was inappropriate. This will ensure your complaint is heard and that all the pertinent details are included in any investigation.
Contributor:Â Nance L. Schick from nschicklaw.com
#4 Put The Conflict Into Perspective
Try to determine the context or intent in which the conflict occurred or is occurring. Is this behavior the norm? Is the team under crushing deadlines? Are team members not getting enough sleep, time off, exercise, and other healthy behaviors? There is no excuse for poor treatment of a teammate, and the behavior might still need to be reported, but there might also be an opportunity to have candid and private discussions to correct it. Conflict can sometimes be a team-building experience.
Contributor: Nance L. Schick from nschicklaw.com
#5 Better Future
Commit to taking three specific actions over the next week to improve relationships on your team. Will you read a book and do some self-analysis? Will you go to coffee or lunch with someone you haven't gotten to know very well yet? Bring cupcakes for your team? Offer to help someone behind on a project? What else?
Contributor: Nance L. Schick from nschicklaw.com
#6 Avoid Gossiping/Scheming
Conflict in the workplace can be avoided by staying strong to you and keeping home business at home. Having said that, we spend most of our lives at work and it needs to be bearable. The work community is like any other community in terms of gossip and getting ahead; but with the clause that it only exists in the confines of the work space. If you define yourself as friendly, yet impartial, you will let people know that you are not interested in petty gossip or scheming.
Contributor:Â Nate Masterson from mapleholistics.com
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