Workplace conflict is a normal part of interacting with colleagues and coworkers. How the conflict is handled is what matters.
Workplace conflicts can be opportunities to learn, grow, and build stronger professional relationships.
Understanding how to approach conflict with a growth mindset and turn challenges into progress strengthens career success.
These guidelines help turn workplace conflict into opportunities for growth.
Wait to Respond
Taking your time to consider the situation helps you develop an appropriate response:
- Saying the first thing that comes to mind typically furthers the conflict.
- You cannot take back something you said that you later regret.
- Considering your message and the best way to deliver it strengthens professionalism.
Consider the Other Person’s Perspective
Think about your colleague’s or coworker’s point of view:
- What the person cares about
- What is causing the person’s behavior
- What the person wants
Maintain a Positive Mindset
Offer a generous interpretation of the situation:
- Perhaps your colleague or coworker is experiencing intense pressure from their boss.
- Maybe the person did not sleep well last night.
- Staying positive helps facilitate a productive conversation to resolve the conflict.
Understand Common Sources of Conflict
Typical sources of conflict include:
- How to complete tasks or processes
- Who has the authority to make decisions
- Who deserves credit for contributions and achievements
Uncover the Root Cause of the Conflict
These steps help determine the underlying reason for the conflict:
- Review what you said and did.
- Consider who else was involved.
- Evaluate where the conflict started and what it could be related to.
Determine Your Goal
Consider what you want to achieve by resolving the conflict:
- You might want to finish a project on time and within budget.
- You could desire to end the conversation and move forward.
- Perhaps you would like to preserve the relationship with your colleague or coworker because you could collaborate in the future.
Decide How to Proceed
Determine the best way to resolve the conflict:
- Directly address the conflict with your colleague or coworker.
- Productively discuss what is happening and how to resolve it.
- Solve the problem to get your relationship back on track.
Tips to Turn Workplace Conflict into Growth Opportunities
Keep these principles in mind when resolving workplace conflict:
- Remain open-minded and solution-focused.
- Acknowledge that you and your colleague or coworker view conflict differently.
- Regulate your breathing and emotions to maintain professionalism.
- Actively listen to the other person’s perspective.
- Ask questions to effectively address the issue.
- Prioritize solving the problem, learning from the experience, and growing professionally.
Gain Additional Tips for Handling Workplace Conflict
For more tips on turning workplace conflict into growth opportunities, revisit our November 2023 post, How to Disagree with Poise.
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