Conflict in the workplace happens more than managers care to admit. The real test comes along when learning to deal with it constructively. When your employees aren’t getting along, you may face productivity problems, errors in the work, and their conflict affecting the mood of everyone around them. So how do you deal with workplace conflict? Here are 4 things to consider.
1. Always stay neutral.
It may be easy to see from the outside who is at fault in a situation, but placing blame doesn’t help solve the problem. Instead, you should remain neutral during discussions about conflict. Listen to, and really hear, both sides of the story. By staying neutral, you can give impartial advice or solutions to help resolve the issue without either party claiming that the solution was unfair.
2. Find common ground.
To start a path toward resolution, look for the common ground. What is similar about both of their stories? By using this information as the starting point, you can determine a solution that will work well for both parties. It can also help to find other points of common interest to help them understand that they are more alike than they recognize throughout the conflict.
3. Don’t make it personal.
It is important that while you stay neutral you also try to focus only on the professional situation and not get personal in your critiques. For example, if you tell one of the affected employees that they are being “too sensitive,” you’re opening up an entirely different can of worms. Focus solely on the situation at hand and maintain professional communications throughout the process.
4. Focus on the big picture.
However, you may have to find a way to communicate that the issue is petty without specifically saying that to the employees in conflict. To do this, help them focus on the big picture. Rather than pointing out that the incessant bickering is a sign of pettiness, show them how their behavior is affecting their performance overall. Have them look at the bigger implications of solving this conflict.
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