Conflict Management Tips
Conflicts are an inherent part of human characteristics. Did you know that conflicts are also observed in animals? In an organization, however, though conflicts may be fairly commonplace, they still have to be resolved.
If the conflicts are not managed at their source, it will become difficult for your employees to work with each other — and for your business to be successful.
Effects of Conflicts
Conflicts in the workplace can turn your office into a battleground, and can severely reduce the productivity of your employees. Workplace conflicts usually arise because of differences of opinion between employees.
At times, certain conflicts might fade away over a period of time, but seem to emerge as soon as you (the boss) steps out of the room. Therefore, as the small business owner, the onus is on you to get to the bottom of things and put the conflict to rest.
Avoiding Conflicts in the Workplace
Although some conflict is certainly unavoidable, it is possible to manage them before they get out of control. Here are some tips to do just that:
- Get clear about the details that fueled the conflict in the first place.
- If the conflict involves the team, don't address the situation individually. Discuss the issue with the whole group and encourage feedback from your employees.
- Try to make the conflicting employees compromise. Find out whether they can agree on a common solution.
- Give each and every employee a chance to make their point. If the situation gets out of hand, you must intervene for your employees to feel safe in the workplace.
It can get a little hectic trying to resolve a workplace conflict without getting yourself involved in the arguments. However, you have to be the mediator to resolve the issues and ensure that the workplace is a healthy environment. By doing so, you will help to ensure the productivity of your business.
