How Managers Should Resolve Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict in the workplace is not surprising because differences of opinion often occur. Conflicts are not always big, just a small misunderstanding can become a problem in the workplace.

Basically, dealing with conflict in the workplace is an important skill that can help maintain healthy relationships between your coworkers. Even though it seems bad, you can overcome conflict in the workplace in several ways, so that the work atmosphere remains good.

How to resolve conflict at work

Here are some steps you can take to resolve conflict in the workplace.

Know the source of conflict

Try to understand the source of the conflict by identifying the underlying differences of opinion, interest, or problem. The way to start identifying it is to talk to team members first.

Generally, conflict in the workplace occurs due to a lack of clear communication. This situation can occur between fellow staff or managers and supervisors.

Whatever your job title, you need to be aware that every word you say, don't say, and body language, can influence other people's responses.

Pretending not to care about the current situation, even being biased towards one party, will make the problem worse. Furthermore, it causes further problems, and in extreme cases, potentially legal issues.

As a leader, you need to understand how to de-escalate conflict, and how to handle any tensions if they arise.

Listen first

Before judging either party, it is a good idea to listen carefully to all parties involved in the conflict.

Provide opportunities to talk about their feelings and views. Ask open-ended questions that help dig deeper into the issue.

When hearing stories from various parties, it is important to remain calm and professional when dealing with the conflict. Avoid excessive emotions or anger. This can help create a safe environment to talk.

Effective communication involves speaking clearly, openly, and sincerely. Avoid negative judgments and excessive criticism.

Looking for solutions together

Work with all parties involved to find a solution that satisfies everyone. Focus on solutions rather than blaming others.

You can provide a feedback form to help the team grow well and provide various different points of view regarding work in the office.

According to a workplace report by Gallup, only 23% of employees strongly agree that their managers provide appropriate feedback.

If you are a leader, you need to try to create goals that are supported by facts. It sounds cliche, but it is quite challenging, so you need patience in carrying it out.

Avoid gossiping

The news heard in the work environment is not necessarily the truth. It could be that the information is not basic, so it just becomes material for endless talk.

Therefore, avoid talking about the conflict to other colleagues outside of the related situation. Gossip can exacerbate conflict and damage relationships and the atmosphere in the work environment.

If you want to discuss it, it's best to have a teammate or someone involved in the conflict, so you can think more clearly.

If all else fails, seek additional help

If the conflict continues and cannot be resolved internally, you may need to seek help from the Human Resource Development (HRD) team who can be a discussion partner for this problem.

Avoid discussing personal problems because it can deviate from the problem that it should be. Immediately resolve every problem and conflict in the right way and don't let the problem continue and drag on.

Remember that dealing with conflict in the workplace is a process that requires patience and commitment from all parties involved. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy, productive and collaborative work environment.

For this reason, a manager has the right and obligation to maintain a conducive culture. As the front line of company operations, managers can hone employee abilities and align traits and preferences through the Team Leadership: Becoming Flexible Leaders program.