10 Methods of Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

10 Methods of Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
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Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

It is inevitable that there will be some amount of conflict on a team with a variety of industry experts and leaders. Some amount of conflict can be healthy, as long as it is discussed and a conclusion is reached. Clashing personalities or opposing viewpoints can actually bring new thoughts and discussions on aspects of a project that had not been imagined before. Learn how to handle conflict resolution in the workplace.

[caption id=“attachment_133098” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]Learn about conflict resolution in the workplace Conflict can arise in any team[/caption]

The type of conflict you have to worry about more is unspoken resentment that can erupt in an outburst, or even more deadly, in quiet mutiny or deviation from agreed upon roles, tasks and goals. The goal of the project manager should be to get your team to a place where they can openly discuss differing views without it resulting in a shouting match or hurt feelings. Use the following ten methods to solve conflict resolution in the workplace.

1. Be Aware That Conflict Occurs

Knowing that conflict may and will occur is the first step to resolving it, especially if you know that certain team members may disagree with each other. By recognizing that there will be conflict, a project manager knows what to expect.

2. Set the Ground Rules

At the beginning of your project, set some ground rules in your first meeting. Be sure to address what process will be taken to address conflicts, as they are bound to rise and will need to be taken care of before they spiral out of control. Tell team members that everyone’s ideas are valid and that they shouldn’t be dismissed, even if you do not agree with them.

3. Learn About Destructive Conflicts

Conflict becomes destructive when no resolution is in sight or the issue cannot be resolved. A psychological model for explaining destructive patterns is the persecutor-victim-rescuer triangle. The persecutor would be the bad-guy or bully in this scenario, but the rescuer is also placing him or herself in a position of superiority over the supposed victim. Stop yourself if you see yourself slipping into any of these roles and also try to recognize it in your team.

4. Stop Conflict When it Happens

Conflict should be addressed immediately before it can grow. If a discussion grows heated during a meeting, do not wait until the next meeting to address the issue. Instead, discuss the issue while in the meeting; even if members disagree, they are still able to see each other’s points of view.

5. Get the Whole Story

Be sure you understand the perspectives of every person involved. Conflicts arise when there are differences of opinion, but also due to miscommunication or misunderstanding. As the project manager, you should get all the information you can in regards to the conflict so that you can resolve it efficiently and effectively.

6. Meet for Resolutions

If the conflict can’t be resolved during the initial meeting, set up a separate meeting with those that are having the conflicts, so that a resolution can be reached without getting the other team members involved and picking sides.

7. Discuss Both Sides of a Perspective

Even if you are inclined to agree with one side of the conflict, do not make a final judgment until each person has had their say. Ending a discussion without hearing each person out can escalate the problem. Explain the pros and cons of both ideas, so that both people can consider the opposing view.

8. Make Compromise a Goal

Compromising between parties is helpful, as it can allow for both conflicting parties the ability to use their ideas. Most times, points can be combined in order to make a better idea or solution.

9. Avoid Falling into Group-think

Group-think is when a group suppresses the opposing views of members in order to create harmony. While it is always good to maintain harmony within a group while working on a project, this idea of keeping opposing viewpoints at bay because they will disrupt the norm will end up doing more harm than good. To avoid this, make sure that there is one or two members that bring up constructive criticism to ideas.

10. Don’t Try to Change a Team Member

This final tip might be the most important. Just as in any type of relationship, do not try to change a member of your team. They are an individual person with unique ideas and forms of expression. Trying to change their feelings or viewpoints will only lead to resentment. You can propose to them alternatives, or list benefits of other ideas, but in the end you may just have to accept that they will disagree with an outcome. Sometimes conflict can be productive by bringing ideas up from different people; sometimes it can be detrimental to the overall productivity of the group and its members. Remember to allow people to express their ideas, even if they differ. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

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