Conflict isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a necessary part of any healthy and functioning workplace.
However, problems occur when conflicts aren’t resolved correctly – or are ignored completely.
When conflict occurs, taking these four steps can help turn even the most volatile disagreements into positive outcomes.
1. Call attention to it
When people avoid tackling conflict head on, it often festers until there’s a blowup. And when it gets to that point, it can be next to impossible to find some type of positive resolution.
To prevent this, it’s critical for employees to feel that open, honest dialogue is welcome and encouraged at all times.
2. Keep emotions out of it
It’s difficult to resolve a conflict when both parties feel like they’re being attacked on a personal level.
But when you find a way to keep emotions out of it, it’s much easier to really listen to the other person’s side. And more often than not, this leads to some common ground.
3. Find a shared goal
Once you’ve discussed why there’s a conflict and what the other person hopes to accomplish, it’s time to start looking for solutions.
Try tossing around ideas until you hit on something that satisfies what you’re both trying to accomplish.
4. Take something from it
Resolving any type of workplace conflict should be a learning experience. Make a mental note of why the conflict occurred, how it was resolved and what could be handled better in the future.