Ten Simple Ways to Manage Workplace Conflict

Conflicts within your workday can make life unpleasant. Even when you’ve gone home for the day, it’s hard enough to turn off your “work mind” without worrying about dealing with your co-workers. Here are some ideas to keep your workspace calm and enjoyable even when you are hiring agency staff online…

Timing

Timing is everything, as they say. This is true in workplace conflict as well. Don’t approach the person you are having issues with while they are trying to solve a big problem, dealing with a difficult client, or soon after, the two of you have just had a negative interaction. Wait until you’ve both had time to cool down and can approach the issue calmly.

Work to Solve Specific Issues

There may be a hundred different ways this co-worker bothers you. To resolve your issues, you need to focus on one thing. No one likes to be informed of their faults, so keep that in mind while trying to solve this problem.

Act Quickly

While it’s important to refrain from attempting resolution while your co-worker is occupied with other things, you must resolve them within a day or two. The longer things go on, the more it will affect you physically – i.e., lack of sleep, anxiety, and increased heart rate. Letting things fester isn’t good for either of you.

Define Acceptable Behavior

Don’t just assume the other person knows what is appropriate. Let them know the boundaries of workplace conversation and your limits in particular. Clearly-defined limitations will make you function better as a team and avoid further conflicts.

What’s in it for Me

Try to understand the other person’s motivations. If you help the other person achieve their objectives, chances are you will help avoid further conflict. This goes both ways – this could be a great learning experience for you. Think about your takeaways from this conflict and how they may make you a better person and a better employee.

Listen

It might seem obvious, but listening to the other person is huge. You may find there are issues you never considered.

Use Productive Language

When you approach a conflict using accusatory language like “you said” or “you did,” it immediately puts the other person on the defensive and may cause them to shut down. Start your conversation with “I felt” instead. This conveys your thoughts without making it seem like you’re ready for a fight.

Admit you were wrong

This can be difficult for anyone. Sometimes it’s necessary to be the bigger person to move past a conflict. And we’re all wrong from time to time.

Communicate

Communication issues are what caused the conflict. Verbalize your takeaways from the conflict and its resolution. This allows both of you to understand the problems to be avoided in the future.

Actively Search for Other Potential Issues

If you are willing to “look ahead,” you may be able to see potential issues on the horizon and use the tools above to avoid things that might come up in the future.

Your workplace can become more comfortable and efficient if you incorporate these simple steps into your workplace culture.