Conflicts are inevitable in the workplace because not
everyone will understand your point of view. Here are some tips to guide you
towards having a serene working environment
Expect conflict
Don’t let disagreements gather momentum and turn into major
crises that could affect your work productivity. Rather, you should address and
resolve the issue as soon as possible for it not to fester.
Let everyone speak
Don’t turn a basic conflict into a one-sided monologue. Take
the time to listen and try to learn something from the situation. Let the other
person clarify his or her perspective and opinion on the issue.
Be open to compromise
Holding desperately to a grudge isn’t likely to yield many
benefits in a workplace. Instead, show that you are willing to give up ground
on certain aspects of a disagreement. Your willingness to compromise
demonstrates that you aren’t letting negative emotions dictate your behaviour
or hamper professional objectivity and productivity.
Choose your battles
Once there’s tension between you and a co-worker, there’s a
temptation to become overly defensive with every type of interaction you have
with that specific person. Try to approach interaction with this co-worker with
a sense of objectivity, rather than building a sense of hostility or
defensiveness beforehand. Pick the issues that you simply can’t compromise on
and let other things slide.
Don’t personalise or internalise disagreements
Be open to constructive criticism, and keep in mind that
turning a conflict into a learning situation may greatly benefit your career.
However, if the other party is clearly making personal attacks on you, don’t
respond to the attacks. It is unprofessional and could escalate the situation.
You may report to a higher authority.
Use business-like language
Conflicts at work can easily intensify emotions in both
parties. For many people, it is very easy to slip up and use attacking words
that make the other person feel threatened. Instead, stick with professional
language.
Avoid gossip
When other employees try to share gossip with you, politely
change the subject or remove yourself from the conversation. Refuse to
participate in damaging or disparaging conversations that have no positive
purpose.
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