Put Down Your Dukes!
6 Tips for Resolving Workplace Conflict Peacefully and Productively
You know what they say about opinions, right? Yea, that saying. Well, it’s true, everyone’s got one. Today we are sharing with you 6 tips for resolving workplace conflict peacefully and productively. We will show you how to work through workplace conflicts and come to a better understanding so everyone can move forward with their productivity.
When it comes to our opinions, we are all usually very passionate about them, especially when it comes to our opinions on unresolved conflicts in the workplace. Whether it be; “he said,” or “she said,” disagreements on procedures or playing the blame game, conflicts happen in the office and the reality is that, sometimes, they just can’t be avoided.
6 Tips for Resolving Workplace Conflict Peacefully and Productively
- Take a Breath – First and foremost, you need to calm yourself down. Even if you are not the type to fly off the handle, take a moment and take a breath. When we are reactive and upset or angry, we will breathe heavier and in turn our heart rate will rise. Take the time to take a breath and send fresh oxygen through your body to help calm yourself.
- Think Before You Speak – This has been drilled into our heads since we were kids. Really think about what you are about to say. Is it useful? You should approach the other party with what is really bothering you or a realistic solution to the problem. DO NOT play the blame game. Even if there is blame to be placed. Constructive conversation cannot take place if accusations are being flung around. So, pause a moment and see if what you are about to say will help or hurt the current situation.
- Take a Different Perspective – By only seeing the issue through your eyes, you miss an opportunity to see the issue in a broader sense. Think about the situation from your ‘opponent’s’ point of view. What about the situation could have struck a chord with them? By trying to understand where the other is coming from, it is easier to come to a resolution rather than having tunnel vision with our own opinions.
- Ask Questions – If you are having difficulty seeing the conflict through the other party’s eyes, ask questions. Understanding is key to coming to an agreement; so if there is something you are missing, ask. Ask what about the conflict is important to them or is bothering them. Ask what they see the best solution is and see where you could compromise.
- Speak Firmly and Respectfully – Be clear and concise with your requests and concerns. Do not be wishy-washy, be firm so your concerns are heard. With that being said, there is no reason to be nasty and let your emotions take hold. Be firm, but be respectful of the other.
- Seek Help – If a resolution cannot be made, seek help from a manager or coworker. To move forward with work, a compromise needs to be made so if you are having trouble getting there on your own, it is vital that a resolution is made. Don’t be afraid to have a mediator. It’s not tattling, it’s showing a level of maturity.
No one likes tension in the workplace. We spend so much time there and we don’t want to spend extra time having an impasse with others. Apply some of these tips next time you are struggling to get through a workplace conflict. Leave us a comment below and let us know if you’ve found other approaches helpful as well!
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