How to Handle Conflict in Your Workplace?

| February 4, 2016

How to Handle Conflict in Your Workplace?

In an ideal world, everyone would get along with everyone and there would be no arguments, fights, or disruption in your company. All of your employees would simply work well together and there would never be a difference of opinion dividing them. Unfortunately, this scenario can never be a reality. Wherever there are a group of people, there’s a likelihood of conflict. But when conflict happens in your company, it can derail the productivity of your people. Here are some ways to can tackle this.

Don’t Get Angry

That’s the first reaction that most human beings have when confronted with conflict or anger is to respond in kind. It’s very easy to lose your temper when someone is hurtling accusations at you or violently disagreeing with you. No matter how tempting it is to give in and let a few angry words loose, you need to keep your cool.

If you get angry the situation won’t be resolved. If you find that you can’t control you temper, or reason with the person arguing with you, it’s a good idea to walk away. You can deal with the issue later, when you and the person you were arguing with have calmed down a bit.

Try to Find the Root of the Problem

Don’t play the blame game because that would get you nowhere. Instead, try to understand the reason behind the conflict. The best way to do that is to listen to the person who is the source of the conflict. Invite them to speak with you and listen to them attentively.

You might feel the urge to voice your opinion, but you should let the person before you say their piece first. That should show them that you’re serious and are willing to work towards solutions. If you don’t do that, your employees would assume that you don’t respect their opinion or care for employee satisfaction.

Find a Solution

If you find that the employee or team member has a genuine cause for their anger, try to find a way to help them. If you don’t do that, you won’t be a responsible employer. For example, if your employee has a problem with his colleague, you should hear both sides of the story and decide how to address the situation. You need to make sure that you maintain an unbiased perspective on the entire affair.

If you feel the need, you can also take advice or assistance from a third party that might be unbiased. You need to make sure that you can find the right solution for everyone involved. In a small business, every single employee is very important. You need to make sure that their concerns are promptly addressed.

Maintain an Unbiased Perspective

If you’re dealing with conflict between two employees, it’s a good idea to maintain objectivity and look at the situation from all angles. Don’t try to find fault in your employees. You should handle the problem professionally and act as a voice of reason. After all, you’re the leader; your employees need to see you take firm and decisive action during conflicts.