With the hurried pace of life, activities, and day-to-day routines, people don’t have time to focus on managing relationships in the workplace. But, consider this. If we want to maintain productivity and high morale among associates and employees, then we all should make the time to work out conflict in the workplace.
So here’s the scenario. There’s a misunderstanding. There’s an oversight. Then there is little or no communication. Before you know it, a conflict has emerged. It’s like the lint that is swept under the carpet that festers. It may not be obvious to you at first but eventually you will realize the undesired result.
Rather than letting the stale air persist, rumors to prevail, and conflict to linger, here are some helpful tips to manage potential conflicts that arise:
- Identify the issues
- Clearly identify the problems and areas of concerns
- Talk about the challenges
- Mitigate any emotional charge by staying focused on each specific challenge
- Write down the problem areas so you can move toward resolution
- Outline possible solutions
- Discuss issues without being disagreeable
April was National Workplace Conflict Month. So, let’s each take a few minutes to carry that over from reflections last month to lead the charge and determine how to tackle our next difficulty. While we cannot eliminate conflict from our lives, we can eliminate the potential for combustive outcomes and just work it out!
Lovely post. People often do not take the time out to resolve conflict, be it in the workplace or otherwise. I am a strong proponent of this. I have seen people view me as weak because conflict resolution is importatnt ot me. For me, it’s spiritual as well as otherwise. I believe I will live longer if I don’t store all that in my brain or my heart. Thanks for this.