Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a dispute between two or more people. Conflict can occur between individual coworkers, between managers, between a manager and a member of their team or between a service provider and a customer or client.
Conflict resolution is essential to maintaining a productive workforce and high workplace morale. A conflict arises when individuals have different opinions, thought processes, attitudes, interests, needs and find it difficult to adjust with each other. When individuals perceive things in dissimilar ways and cannot find the middle way, a conflict starts. No organisation can survive if the employees are constantly engaged in fights and conflicts. The individuals have to give their hundred percent at workplaces to generate revenue and profits for the organisation.
Conflicts must be avoided at workplaces for a healthy and a competitive environment. Employees must ensure that precautionary measures are taken in advance to prevent conflicts at the workplace. Employees are the assets of any organisation and they must feel motivated and elated to perform well. Conflicts only lead to tensions and depressions and nothing productive comes out of it. No individual can work alone; he has to depend on his fellow workers for the maximum output. Every individual has to work in a team and can’t afford to fight with his team members.
An entrepreneur and business management expert, Dr Timi Olubiyi, said differences in interest, thought process, perception as well as need led to a conflict. When individuals do not agree to each other’s opinions, a conflict arises. Conflict can occur at any place be it organisations, groups and even at our homes.
He noted that conflicts at workplace must be avoided and employees must concentrate on achieving their goals, saying employees must give their best in each and everything they do. Adopt a professional approach at workplace and try to sort out differences with fellow workers. Respect everyone at office and remember fighting is not the only solution.”
Olubiyi, however, said “A good place to start is by realising that, even though people may shy away from it, conflict is normal and healthy. In fact, many believe that it is a vital ingredient to organisational success.
“Experts have found that the most effective teams are those in which members feel safe enough to disagree with one another. A culture where disagreements are allowed, or even encouraged, can spur innovation, diversity of thought and better decision-making.”
How To Resolve Conflict In Workplace
Understand the conflict: Before you begin communicating with the other party, fully understand your position in the conflict and the position of the other party. It is also important to clarify your own interests and those of the other person.
Explore alternatives: In some cases, the parties are not able to reach an agreeable solution in a conflict. You need to take this into consideration before you sit down with the other party to resolve the issue.
Find a private, neutral place: It is important to find a quiet and neutral location where you can discuss the conflict in private. Because the goal, ultimately, is to eliminate tension, a private location is essential.
Communicate both sides: Let everyone participate. If there are multiple parties involved in the conversation, allow everyone who wants to contribute to the conversation to do so. People who participate will have a say in how the conflict is resolved and will be helpful in identifying a solution.
Identify a common goal: In this step, both parties agree on the desired outcome for the conflict. Once everyone has moved past the root cause of the problem, they often discover that they are working towards the same goal, they just have different opinions on how to reach that goal.
Use a third-party mediator: In some cases, it may be useful to use a neutral third party whom everyone trusts to be fair. This can help ensure both parties understand one another fully and, if necessary, continually remind everyone of the ultimate goal so that the conversation and brainstorming session remains productive.
Agree on a plan of action: Identify different solutions that both you and the other party can accept and see where there is common ground. Ideally, you would identify a solution that’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Overall, conflict is inevitable wherever you have two or more persons interacting on a regular basis, with its positive and negative attributes. While, unresolved conflict can impact organisational culture, employee performance, retention, and the bottom line.
