Conflict resolution skills are required for a wide range of positions across many job sectors.
This requirement is based on the fact that conflict tends to reduce productivity and create a difficult work environment, leading to unwanted turnover in staff and reduced morale. Individuals who are able to resolve conflicts are often excellent mediators, rational, and able to manage difficult personalities from a place of empathy.
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 organization 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 organization.
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 lead 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.
Preventing Conflict At The Workplace
The dissimilarity in the interests, thought processes, needs, attitudes of individuals result in a conflict. Conflicts must be prevented at the right time in order to avoid tensions and other adverse effects. In such a scenario, conflict management comes in picture.
Conflict Management involves the steps undertaken to prevent the conflict at the right time and also helps to resolve it in an effective and smooth manner. No conflict can just start on its own. There has to be an event or an incident to trigger the same. Through conflict management, one actually finds out the possible events which can start a conflict and tries his level best to avoid them.
It is very essential to understand the factors which might lead to a conflict. An individual must consider all the events which initiate a fight for an effective conflict management. Discussion goes a long way in preventing conflicts.
No two individuals can think on the same line but it is always wise to find a middle way which takes into account everybody’s interests. Don’t leave any issue unaddressed, instead discuss it when all the participants are present.
At workplaces, transparency must be maintained at all levels and there must be a single point of contact to address the issues of individuals. The subordinates should have an easy access to their superiors to avoid confusions.
Overall, conflict is inevitable wherever you have two or more persons interacting on a regular basis, with its positive and negative attributes. Conflict in the workplace is often the result of poor communication amongst colleagues, teams, and departments. Unresolved conflict can impact organisational culture, employee performance, retention, and the bottom line. Use clear communication strategies to resolve these conflicts. If we approach difficulties as needing to take place in one or a series of conversations, and we approach those conversations with a plan, we will find we have less difficult people to deal with in the workplace. Also, we will have more meaningful and significant conversations.
