DEALING WITH CONFLICT RESOLUTION WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

The truth is, in work environments, where one or more persons is involved, conflict may arise and shift the dynamics in the workplace. Understanding, learning, and resolving these conflicts is key to the wellbeing of an organization.

Here are four strategies to apply when dealing with conflict resolution.

• Respect differing points of view.

  Everyone has a unique point of view. These unique views if can benefit the culture of the organization. Encourage employees to respect others opinions and beliefs just as they are. Roleplay can be an effective tool to use in introducing differing points of view.

• Embrace compromise.

  Each party is responsible to give up some parts of their position in order come to an agreeable solution. After each party airs their views and restrains their emotions, solutions requiring each party to comprise, will bring resolution. Using compromise as a technique, can result in win-win solutions where both parties can gain satisfaction.

• Avoid avoidance.

  Refusing to acknowledge that conflict exists only deepens the divide. Instead of avoiding the problem, give voice to the issue. Establish an environment where conflict can be addressed in a calm manner. Offer resources within the organization that employees can access when looking to deal with conflicts.

• Accountability during conflict.

  Hold those responsible, accountable for their roles in conflict. Having consequences and following through with them serves as a deterrent to others modeling the same behavior. For managers, set up guidelines and rules with expected outcomes. This will minimize the chances of miscommunication by understanding what the parties involved are saying and what they mean.

Acknowledging the adage, you can’t have you cake and eat it too, effective conflict resolution is getting as close as you can to having the best of both worlds. Make it a win-win for the organization and the employees and minimize the risks of a crisis forming.