Do's and don'ts when a conflict arises

Does your workplace have its rules of conflict management? If you have no formal policy on conflicts, get inspired by the following tips published originally on the BLR.com website. Especially if you are in management only for a short while, the tips will certainly find their place on your own or your team's notice board.

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What to do when a conflict arises

  1. Look carefully at what is going on. Decide what kind of conflict it is.

  2. Consider whether the intensity of the conflict corresponds to the seriousness of the situation. Try to calm the situation by not raising your voice, do assume a neutral stance and listen to both sides.

  3. Recognize that a conflict exists without accusing anyone. Actively listen to both parties and ask for specific examples.

  4. Think about how specifically the behavior harms the atmosphere in your workplace.

  5. Ask participants in the conflict how you can help to solve the situation.

What not to do when conflict arises

  1. Do not tell employees that you will resolve the conflict for them. Teach them to know how to take responsibility for their conflicts and solve their conflicts themselves.

  2. Donot escalate undesirable behavior.

  3. Do not use phrases started by "you" (You think... You have a problem...).

  4. Do not show a hostile body language - rolling eyes, crossing hands, etc.

  5. Do not stand on anyone's side.

  6. Do not ignore conflicts as if they were not happening.

-kk-

Article source BLR.com - Solutions for Employment, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
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