Is it really possible for us to work in a conflict-free environment? From all we know, there is always going to be someone spilling coffee on another person’s report stat, or not coming in early to get the job done, or even ignoring their own quota of the work for some junior staff, who is probably working two jobs and is secretly brewing, stewing and waiting for the appropriate date to erupt. It is left to whoever is on the scene to manage the outcome of the eruption, and try to salvage the situation.
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The first thing to note when there is a conflict is to:
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Give Room for Self Resolution
As adults and business partners, it would be much more effective conflict resolution if both parties are allowed to endure the misunderstanding and iron out their confusion without an external influence.
As a leader or a co-worker, you should encourage both parties to speak in calmer and more diplomatic tones, while speaking directly about their misgivings. This process should be supervised, as they need to be encouraged towards seeing the views of their counterpart without any selfish emotional components disrupting their clear vision of the situation.
Once they are on the same page, encourage them to speak more about any previous grudges they might still bear, and allow open addressing of these wounds to prevent a sequel to that conflict.
However, if they are both too emotionally charged to listen to common reasons, you have to take further steps.
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Know the Genesis of the Eruption
Just as the collision of two tectonic plates will most likely result in a volcanic eruption, you ought to understand the cause of the conflict between both parties. If the conflict is a result of a certain party feeling segregated or is being oppressed in any way, it is advisable for you to listen with an open mind, as the oppression might not be intended, but perceived.
If this is the case, you ought to explain to the offended party in a diplomatic and sane tone that would carry your message without further aggravating the person.
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Every organization ought to have legal policies that guide and regulate the outcomes of workplace conflicts. Let that guide you into the next step that you will take after finding out the genesis of the problems. If the organization has rules against discrimination or harassment at the workplace, you should tackle them based on said rules. However, if it is a personal dispute that could be solved by meaningful conversation, your position as a leader will do well to mellow their rage and let you address the matter from a calculated point of view.
You should always remember that when a conflict is highly emotionally charged, there is most likely an underlying cause that is much bigger than what they are having a dispute over, on the surface. Do well to find out the root and encourage them to get their opinions out, to prevent future recurrence.
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Destroy the Budding Spite
After finding out the genesis, ensure you knock off their reservations. There are conflicts that might not be resolved by talking based on the personalities of the individuals. Ensure you wield your power as a higher-up over them and call out the big guns, A.K.A. discipline, if the behaviour repeats itself. When cajole doesn’t work, discipline is required!
In conclusion, realize that speaking to both parties is the most favourable and mature way of handling conflict anywhere. Try to understand both parties, if they are both bitter towards each other, help them navigate their past encounters till the culprit is found. If there is not a single reason for the bad blood, you can encourage them to enrol in therapy, which will be provided at the workplace.
There will always be conflict at the workplace, and firing the employee only solves your problem for a few days. Therefore, you must carry out these steps accordingly and manage work-related crises efficiently. In a situation where it becomes difficult to handle, probably because the other party is not willing to let go, then it is of uttermost importance to transfer one of the involved to another sector or department to maintain peace and unity, also to ensure that the others can learn some lessons and work together in harmony.
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