In any workplace, there are many types of personalities, ranging from Type As to Type ZZZs. And when hot meets cold, or east meets west, conflict is bound to arise. As a business owner, how can you manage conflict in the office?
Managing conflict in the office is never easy. It requires a delicate touch, a diplomatic manner, and sometimes an iron fist. But there are ways to help you in managing conflict at work. Here are 6 tips:
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Do Not Avoid The Problem
Many small business managers simply hope an internal conflict will go away. Workplace conflict resolution happens all the time, right? We’re all grown ups, right? However, ignoring the problem can easily make it worse and grow into an even more difficult problem. Take the initiative to managing conflict in the office right away.
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Why Does The Conflict Exist?
To facilitate workplace conflict resolution, it helps to determine why the conflict exists in the first place. What is the background? Has an argument been simmering for a while? Is there lack of clarity about orders or directions? Are there personal issues that someone has brought out and magnified at work? Managing conflict at work will be much easier when you know the source.
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Unify Visions
Managing conflict at work will be much more successful when all parties are in agreement of goals. Whether conflict is a result of personality clashes or disagreements about methods, when all parties are on the same page about achieving goals, there is a clear path to resolution.
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Meet Together
You as a small business owner must assume the responsibility as leader to manage conflict at work. That means you become a diplomat and arbitrator. Try getting all parties together to discuss the problems and issues and work toward solutions. You as a neutral party must keep an open mind and try to guide conversations into healthy, positive resolutions. Avoid taking sides. Encourage clearing of the air. Then be the judge and suggest ways that the conflicting parties can resolve the issues.
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Expect Commitment
To operate a successful company, you need all parts working smoothly and efficiently. When you act as arbitrator and help to manage conflict at work, be sure to let all parties know that you expect full commitment from everyone to make things right. Once an agreement has been made, everyone must be fully committed and accepting of the decision.
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Separate if Necessary
Ultimately, you want everyone to work together in harmony for your small business. However, it may be necessary for everyone to work together in separate locations. If continuous conflict at work is prominent, consider separating individuals so that there is less opportunity for conflict to arise.
Managing conflict in the office is never an easy or fun part of being a small business owner. However, if you know the right strategies to resolve conflict and keep your business running efficiently, you and your employees will be much more satisfied in your work.
