It’s unlikely your department is rife with “Celebrity Apprentice”-caliber drama, but conflict is sure to arise from time to time.
Here are three steps to pass along to staffers that, when used correctly, can help to resolve any type of conflict that comes up in the office.
- Find the common ground. Most times, conflict involves two parties trying to get each other to see (and understand) their point of view. Why not start with what you can agree on? Finding any type of common ground can go a long toward resolving the conflict and creating a logical conclusion.
- Own up to your wrongs. Many times, people find that admitting to any wrongdoing weakens their position during an argument. When one party owns up to their share of the blame, it’s amazing how often the other party will offer to help.
- Point out one of your mistakes before launching an attack. If someone else is obviously to blame for the conflict, you probably won’t get too far by openly attacking their actions right away. Another tactic: Use an example of how you made a similar mistake before, then deliver the critique. Why? It helps create empathy with the other party and makes your opposition seem like less of a personal attack.