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Apr 18, 2024 · Conflict resolution can be defined as the informal or formal process that two or more parties use to find a peaceful solution to their dispute. A number of common cognitive and emotional traps, many of them unconscious, can exacerbate conflict and contribute to the need for conflict resolution: • Self-serving fairness interpretations.
- Avoiding. Avoiding is a strategy best suited for situations in which the relationship’s importance and goal are both low. While you’re unlikely to encounter these scenarios at work, they may occur in daily life.
- Competing. Competing is another strategy that, while not often suited for workplace conflict, can be useful in some situations. This conflict style is for scenarios in which you place high importance on your goal and low importance on your relationships with others.
- Accommodating. The third conflict resolution strategy is accommodation, in which you acquiesce to the other party’s needs. Use accommodating in instances where the relationship matters more than your goal.
- Compromising. Compromising is a conflict resolution strategy in which you and the other party willingly forfeit some of your needs to reach an agreement.
- Overview
- What is conflict resolution?
- 5 conflict resolution strategies
- How to use conflict resolution in the workplace
- Benefits of conflict resolution
- Tips for using conflict resolution strategies
Conflicts are struggles that can arise during an active disagreement of opinions or interests, so it’s important to understand how to navigate and resolve them. In the workplace, there are many instances in which conflict can happen between coworkers, and when it does, it is important to resolve the situation before it escalates.In this article, we discuss five conflict resolution strategies, how to use them in the workplace and the benefits of conflict resolution.Key takeaways:
•Conflict often is a byproduct when there’s human interaction, so responding professionally requires conflict-resolution strategies.
•When a dispute arises, the best course of action is to use negotiation to resolve the problem.
•The most common set of negotiation strategies, known as the Thomas-Kilmann model, identifies five different approaches to resolution.
Human interaction may sometimes lead to conflict, so response—and resolution—require conflict resolution strategies. Conflict resolution or negotiation is a way for the opposing parties to find a solution to their disagreement that leaves everyone reasonably satisfied. Sometimes, the person who resolves a conflict may be a neutral party or mediator while at other times, they may be someone involved in the conflict who takes an outside perspective to find a solution.The ability to resolve conflicts is often seen as a leadership trait. People who can identify conflicts, acknowledge different opinions and build a consensus are valuable to many organizations. They make it more likely for personal differences to be set aside so work can continue.Here are some of the most common reasons that conflict occurs at work:
•Different personalities or perspectives
•Unresolved problems from their past
•Feeling of competition with one another
•Poor communication skills
•Uncertainty about roles or responsibilities
1. Avoiding
This method involves simply ignoring that there may be a conflict. People tend to avoid conflict when they don’t want to engage in it. Avoiding allows them to ignore that there is a problem.There are situations when avoiding conflict can be an appropriate response, such as when there is no clear solution or a frustrated party needs time to calm down before confrontation. However, avoidance can require more effort than merely facing the problem and can cause friction between the disagreeing parties. When confict is avoided, nothing is resolved.Related: Conflict Management: Styles, Skills and Examples
2. Competing
Competing is an uncooperative, overly assertive method used by people who insist on winning the dispute at all costs. It’s known as a win-lose strategy. This method is not often identified as bringing satisfactory resolutions, as it doesn’t allow for collaborative problem-solving.Related: Guide: 16 Personality Types
3. Accommodating
This strategy, also known as smoothing, involves one party acquiescing, giving the opposing party exactly what it needs to resolve the problem. This method allows you to resolve a problem in the short-term while working toward a long-term solution.In some cases, accommodating can be an appropriate resolution to a conflict. For example, if your opinion on the matter is not very strong, it is often easier to comply. Related: How To Become a Mediator: Certifications and Training
1. Acknowledge the conflict
No one enjoys conflict, so it may be tempting to pretend it doesn't exist or will resolve itself. While this may happen, trying to ignore a problem will often cause it to worsen. Ignored conflicts grow over time and reappear at inopportune times. As a manager, it is best to address conflicts when they occur to head off what might become a volatile situation.Read more: A Guide to Leadership and Conflict Management
2. Define the problem
Defining the cause of the conflict will help you to understand how the issue grew in the first place. You need both parties to agree on what the issue is and discuss needs that aren't being met on both sides. Obtain as much information as possible on each side’s outlook. Continue asking questions until you are confident that all the conflicting parties understand the issue. You should help the parties remain focused on the issue, avoiding personal emotions during the discussion. Talk through the problem professionally without attaching a particular person or group to it.Related: Conflict Management Skills: Definition, Examples and Tips
3. Meet on neutral ground
Clarifying a problem or discussing a resolution should be carried out in an environment that feels safe and neutral for all parties. Such a place also enables all involved to have honest communication. Do not choose either party’s office or nearby location since it may imply one side has more influence or power over the other.Related: Conflict Negotiation: Strategies and Skills
Builds strong relationships
Effective conflict resolution skills can serve to reduce any discontent that could damage working relationships, facilitate better collaboration between coworkers and, as a result, construct strong working relationships between employees.
Maintains morale
Resolving conflicts effectively can prevent tension between disagreeing employees from spreading to other employees not involved in the original conflict. A quick, amicable resolution can help maintain peace and morale in the workplace and prevent disruptions in productivity.Related: 9 Tips for Being Positive at Work
Achieves goals
Resolving conflict can help opposing parties be more productive and help them move toward their goals. After a resolution, they can work more efficiently—and together—by focusing on goals rather than the conflict.
Here are some tips to help you effectively negotiate conflict resolutions in the workplace:
•Set ground rules, like having each side use “I” instead “you” words that may imply blame.
•Be an active listener and use positive body language to show you are attentive and following along.
•Remain professional and unbiased in all interactions to earn and maintain both sides’ respect.
•Avoid meeting with people individually. Group meetings ensure there are no doubts about any special treatment behind closed doors.
•Know when to take a break when emotions are running high or nerves need calming.
So, hone these five conflict resolution skills to pre-empt, manage and fix conflicts with your co-workers: Raise the issue early. Manage your emotions. Show empathy. Practice active listening. Acknowledge criticism. Then try the Glasers' three-step conflict resolution strategy to resolve issues together: Prove that you understand their side.
Jan 11, 2024 · Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is assertive communication...
Feb 5, 2024 · Conflict Resolution Skills. Whatever the cause of disagreements and disputes at home or work, these skills can help you resolve conflict in a constructive way and keep your relationships strong and growing.
Jan 11, 2024 · Here are 5 conflict resolution strategies that are more effective, drawn from research on negotiation and conflicts, to try out the next time you’re tempted to argue your point.
