Handling Conflict in the Workplace

Handling Conflict in the Workplace | Staffing Texas

Conflicts between employees are bound to happen. Team members with different personalities, ideas, and experiences will not always agree on everything.

As a manager, you must monitor your employee’ ability to resolve conflicts. This impacts productivity, employee morale, and business operations.

As a result, you should encourage professional conflict resolution strategies for your employees. The better your employees get, the stronger their collaboration and the company’s bottom line.

Follow these guidelines to help your employees resolve conflicts at work.

Promote Open Communication

Encourage your employees to talk with you about any issues or concerns they have. Actively listen to each employee’s perspective about the conflict. Ask follow-up questions and restate what you heard to check your understanding.

Remain neutral throughout the conversation. Show you want to help resolve the conflict before it escalates.

Uncover the Source of the Conflict

Determine what caused the conflict between your employees. Common sources are miscommunication, misunderstanding, differing personalities, and competition between team members.

Find out how severe the conflict is. This helps you address the underlying issue and prevent any future recurrences.

Encourage Employees to Find a Resolution

Ask your employees to have a constructive conversation about the issue. Remind them to respectfully take turns sharing their ideas and viewpoints.

Encourage your employees to gain a deeper understanding of the other’s perspective. Ensure they each feel acknowledged and heard.

Emphasize the importance of finding common ground. Observe and assess as your employees work to reach an agreement.

Document the Conflict

Take notes on the incident. Include the employees’ names, what caused the conflict, the issues discussed, and the agreed-upon resolution.

Follow Up

Monitor your employees’ behavior to determine whether the conflict truly was resolved. Note whether there are additional issues that need to be addressed.

Privately talk with your employees if you see an additional conflict between them. Brainstorm ideas to resolve the issue and move forward.

Come to an agreement that your employees will carry out. Hold them accountable for their actions.

Involve Human Resources

You may need to talk with a member of HR if the employees do not resolve their conflict. This is especially important if an employee threatens to quit because of the conflict or if morale is affected.

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