How To Navigate Workplace Conflict

When it comes to the 9-5 grind, workplace conflict is inevitable. In other words, when  different personalities are put in a space, clashes are unavoidable. From diverse communication patterns to various thought processes, there’s a lot to adapt to and understand. However, how it’s handled, addressed and solved is what is of importance.

Not only does navigating workplace conflict improve productivity, but it also strengthens the relationships within the office. It gives colleagues the opportunity to have healthy resolution procedures and collaborate better for great career outcomes. The key thing to figuring it out is keeping an open mind so the best methods are applied.

So if you’re experiencing some rough situations at work, we’ve got you!

Check out 5 ways to navigate workplace conflict…

1. Acknowledge the conflict

If you want to solve workplace conflict, the first thing to do is recognize it. Don’t ignore or try to avoid it because doing so will only make it bigger or worse. Accept that it’s a problem and come to terms with the way it’s playing out.

2. Try to understand

Secondly, you need to take some time to dissect the conflict. Ask yourself some questions and try to figure out specific details of why it’s happening. Simply put, break it down and look at it from a place of seeking to understand perspectives and root causes. Who knows? It might be a big misunderstanding.

3. Listen actively

Another thing about workplace conflict resolution is that you should aim to be a good listener. You don’t want to be the disruptive person that’s always interrupting people from getting their points across. Listen to understand not just speak back from a defensive standpoint.

4. Find some common ground and be open minded 

To achieve a mutual route to dealing with the problem, seek out common areas of the argument or similar convictions with the other person. This way, you’re making an effort to work out the issue, and in the same process, you need to be unbiased and open to unique solutions. 

5. Stay committed to the solution

Long term, you need to make sure you’re dedicated to implementing the next steps agreed upon. When you do this, you become easier and better to work with moving forward, and you’ll have less conflicts in the future.

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