How to resolve a conflict of interest at workplace?

While sitting in a bus on the way to home, I heard a man sitting besides me, talking loudly to someone over the phone. Though it was quite an inconvenience for my ears, I had no option but to listen to his conversation. As a de facto, I found what he was talking about to be quite inviting.

His words were something like -

Man (antagonistically) : No sir, I won’t join back unless Neeraj apologizes. I can’t let down my self respect for the sake of job.

It was clear that he left his job because of some conflict with a guy named Neeraj. The other person over the phone was trying to resolve the dispute to make him return back on work, but this man was getting louder and louder, and one thing was clear that he wasn’t going to agree unless Neeraj apologizes.

It was this conversation that made me think of how conflicts in professional workspace can ruin work plans, relationships and can spoil useful energy of the individuals. Just like in our personal and social lives, conflicts are common within any organizational setting; these are bound to happen. Personally, I feel that conflicts arise due to a number of factors — difference in cultural aspects, people with different beliefs, perceptions, attributes, thinking, skill-sets, work ethics, etc.

However, most of the time, conflicts occur over petty issues like the inability to recognize things that matters to others and other such misunderstandings. But negligence to such small disputes can lead to severe situations where at times things get out of control and the congenial environment and the decorum of the workplace gets destroyed.

Why resolving conflicts is crucial?

No matter what the reason is of the conflict the real challenge is dealing with it and reaching a amicable resolution. First things first, it is important to resolve conflicts timely, because these can lead to:

• decreased productivity
• project failure
• increased stress
• higher employee absenteeism rate
• work dissatisfaction among workers

And, many more things; thus creates a suffocating environment in the office.

How to manage conflicts?

Effective conflict management is crucial for a workplace so that happiness prevails in the office and employees work in harmony. For leaders it is important to timely mitigate conflicts with their know-how and expertise. In fact, I believe that project managers’ job is not only to handle project related tasks but to resolve conflicts that occur between employees due to work related or any personal reasons.

Don’t avoid, deal with it!

If you are avoiding an issue that means you are letting more problems crop up. Rather than avoiding conflicts, one should try to deal with it; in short face it. Handling an issue with a positive attitude can help you navigate through it easily. Focusing for a solution that keeps both ends happy can be a great way. Here are a few tips for you :

• Having a face-to-face conversation is better than sending emails, chats, etc.
• If you are having discussion with another person over an issue, make sure to do that in a private area, so that others are not bothered.
• Try to carry out a healthy discussion and let the other person put his thoughts and views satisfactorily.
• Try to acknowledge each other on the points on which you both agree.
• Discuss the matter or the problem rather than challenging each others’ personality.

View conflicts as a healthy way to exchange ideas

One should understand that a conflict is not a battle to be won, but an opportunity to discuss and collaborate to resolve a problem. When two or more people disagree on a certain point, it is an opportunity for them to strengthen their relationship by understanding each others’ viewpoint and agreeing to a mutual solution.

Don’t let stress overpower you

Anger and stress acts as a barrier to a clear vision and thinking. A quarrel accelerates your blood pressure i.e. anger and frustration which means you should avoid making prompt decisions at that moment. Give yourself some time and let your mind think of the situation from the opponent’s perspective. This will help you to understand their situation thus you can realize things more clearly.

Conduct basic conflict resolution training

Educating your employees about the negative aspects of conflicts and how they can easily deal with such situations can make things a lot better. Training in interpersonal communication and conflict management is a good way to go.

Bottom line

Actively resolving a conflict is important to maintain healthy and positive workplace relationships, rather than avoiding it.