7 Tips on How to Manage and Resolve Conflict in the Workplace

Apr 27, 2021
Conflict Resolution Strategies
workmates logo

Let Us Help You Engage Your Employees!

We'll show you how Workmates can engage eveyone in your organization, transform your culture, and drive productivity to new highs.

Onboard New Hires Safely, Efficiently, and Effectively.

We'd love to chat with you more about how HR Cloud can help you create an Exceptional Onboarding Experience.

Are You Interested in Improving Your HR Organization?

HR Cloud is the hidden hero powering the world's best HR teams - book a call with our team!

Conflict is not a strange thing for people. Human beings experience it in their day-to-day lives – with their friends, families, and more so their professional lives. In the workplace, conflict causes a massive degree of frustration, pain, discomfort, sadness, as well as anger. It is a normal life aspect. In the world of today, organizations hire employees from diverse geographical locations with dissimilar cultural and intellectual backgrounds, as well as various viewpoints. In a working environment where people have disparate outlooks toward the same problems, disagreements are bound to happen.

Workmates logo

Do you want to easily avoid conflict
and improve employee engagement?
Check out how we can help!

Learn More about Workmates
Phone

Conflicts are inevitable in a person’s day-to-day life. And when they happen, the idea is not to try to prevent them but rather to resolve and manage them in an effective manner. When people use the appropriate tools of resolution to address issues, they will be able to keep their differences from rising to major problems. “Establishing conflict management processes in a company is fundamental as it helps reduce conflict instances among employees,'' says Casper Hansen, an expert in resume writing from Resumethatworks. Conflict resolution is integral in the corporate world as it helps to distinguish a good business from a bad one. So, as a business owner, what steps should you follow to resolve a conflict? Well, below are some ways through which you can manage and resolve conflict in the workplace. 

1. Clarify what is the source of conflict

The first step in resolving conflict is clarifying its source. Defining the cause of the conflict will enable you to understand how the issue came to grow in the first place. Additionally, you will be able to get both parties to consent to what the disagreement is. And to do so, you need to discuss the needs which are not being met on both sides of the issues. Also, you need to warranty mutual understanding. Ensure you obtain as much information as possible on each side’s outlook. Continue asking questions until you are confident that all the conflicting parties understand the issue.

How to resolve conflict

 

2. Find a safe and private place to talk

Many people often wonder and ask, “What is an approach to solving problems peacefully?” To have a constructive conversation, you need to find an environment that is safe for you to talk to. Such a place also enables you to take the necessary risks for honest communication regarding the issues at hand. 

So, before trying to resolve any issue, find a safe and private place to talk. Do not choose the office of either party or a location near them. And while at this place, ensure that each party gets enough time to air out their views regarding the matter.

2. Find a safe and private place to talk

 

3. Listen actively and let everyone have their say

After getting both parties to meet in a secure and private place, let each of them have the opportunity to air out their views and perceptions regarding the issue at hand.  Give each party equal time to express their thoughts and concerns without favoring the other. Embrace a positive and assertive approach while in the meeting. If necessary, set ground rules. Taking this approach will encourage both these parties to articulate their thoughts in an open and honest manner as well as comprehend the causes of the conflict and identify solutions.

Conflict resolution strategies

4. Investigate the situation

After listening to the concerns of both parties, take time, and investigate the case. Do not prejudge or come up with a final verdict on the basis of what you have. Dig deeper and find out more about the happenings, involved parties, the issues, and how people are feeling. Have an individual and confident conversation with those involved and listen in a keen manner to ensure you comprehend their viewpoints. You can do so by summarizing their statements and replicating them back to them. Also, try finding any underlying conflict sources which may not be evident or noticeable at fast. 

resolving conflict

5. Determine ways to meet the common goal

When managing conflict processes, you need to have a common objective, which is resolving the issue and ensuring it does not resurface. And to solve any problem, you need to be aware of the different stages of conflict. This will enable you to look for the ideal ways to meet the common goal. After clarifying the source of conflict, talking to both parties, and investigating the situation, you need to sit down with both parties and discuss the common ways you can execute to meet the common goal, which is managing and resolving the matter at hand. Listen, communicate and brainstorm together until you exhaust all options. According to the team lead of Edu Jungles writing company — Kevin Smith, find the source of conflict is the main step to solve any problem.

how to handle conflict

6. Agree on the best solution and determine the responsibilities each party has in the resolution

Managing and resolving conflict leaps model of communication. Employees will find it easy to interact with another as they understand that they have one goal, which is meeting the company’s objectives. So, after investigating the situation and determine ways through which you can resolve the issue, both parties need to develop a conclusion on the best solution for the problem. And to agree on the best, you need to identify the solutions which each party can live with. Find common ground. Afterward, determine the responsibilities each party has in resolving the conflict. Also, it is crucial to use this chance to identify the root cause and ensure this issue will not come about again.

resolving conflict at work

 

7. Evaluate how things are going and decide preventative strategies for the future

Never presume that the issue is resolute. Effective employee communication ought to dominate in the business. So, ask yourself, “What is the second step of effective communication?” and "What kind of internal communication is there in the company?" Knowing this will help you ensure that the employees are working together to meet the organizational goals. So, continue keeping an eye on the issue and assess if the solution is effective.  If the issue resurfaces, take necessary action. 

WM logo

Social Intranet Software that Encourages Employee Communication

Finally, a Better Intranet Experience Your Employees Will Love.
Learn More
Workmates Tour

Also, decide on preventative strategies for the future. Many people often ask, “What is the basic conflict in everyday use?” Some people may not agree on everything, and this may be an issue. So, look for lessons you can learn from the conflict and how you handle it. This will help you know what you can do when the issue resurfaces as well as enable you to develop and nurture your conflict management skills by training. 

In conclusion, conflict is part of our day-to-day lives. You can disagree with your family, friends, or coworkers. But, there are various conflict resolution steps you can embrace to ensure this issue is not manageable. Managing and resolving conflict at work is integral in meeting organizational goals. So, if you have any problems or there are disagreements between your employers, look for ideal ways you can manage this situation. Above are some tips and techniques you can use to learn how to solve conflicts in the for a better company culture in the workplace.

conflict resolution strategies

About Author: Allen Cranston is an analyst and resume writer. Allen committed to helping talented professionals show the world what he is truly capable of. Since launching in 2012, Allen has helped over 4,000 job applicants land their dream jobs for Resume That Works. He is constantly looking for new ways to help people achieve their career goals.


FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? We'd love to hear it.
Book Your Free Demo
What is a workplace conflict?
A workplace conflict refers to a disagreement or friction between individuals or groups within an organization. It can arise from differences in opinions, values, goals, or communication styles. 
Is conflict at work normal?
Yes, conflict at work is normal and inevitable. In any workplace, individuals with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles come together, leading to differing opinions and perspectives.  The focus should be on developing effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and fostering a positive work culture that encourages constructive dialogue.
Can you ignore conflict at work?
Ignoring conflict at work is not a recommended strategy. While it may be tempting to avoid confrontation, overlooking workplace conflict can have detrimental effects on both individuals and the organization as a whole.
How to improve company culture?
To enhance company culture, consider incorporating our employee engagement software Workmates.
How do you handle conflict at work?
1. Stay Calm
2. Understand Perspectives
3. Communicate Openly
4. Find Common Ground
5. Seek Solutions Together
6. Use a Neutral Mediator if Necessary
7. Document Agreements
8. Follow Up


Close
workmates
The 12 Most Common HR Mistakes
Learn how to avoid common HR mistakes that frustrate employees and plague organizations.
Download Now