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Conflict Resolution Notes

1. When dealing with a conflict with a coworker, it's best to address the problem calmly and privately with them as soon as possible to prevent small issues from escalating. 2. Discuss the issue respectfully and directly in person, listen to their perspective, and work together to find an agreeable solution. 3. Seek to understand their point of view rather than just stating your own, and look for areas of agreement to resolve the conflict and allow continued cooperation.

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Yoniwo Edward Tsemi
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74 views

Conflict Resolution Notes

1. When dealing with a conflict with a coworker, it's best to address the problem calmly and privately with them as soon as possible to prevent small issues from escalating. 2. Discuss the issue respectfully and directly in person, listen to their perspective, and work together to find an agreeable solution. 3. Seek to understand their point of view rather than just stating your own, and look for areas of agreement to resolve the conflict and allow continued cooperation.

Uploaded by

Yoniwo Edward Tsemi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to handle a conflict with a coworker

Consider these steps when dealing with conflicts involving your coworkers:

1. Keep the issue to yourself

If the matter only concerns you and your coworker, it's advisable not to discuss the matter
with colleagues until the two of you have. If you feel the need to discuss the matter with
someone and for support or an outside opinion, consider talking to your manager or a friend
or family member.

2. Don't postpone addressing the problem

Some interoffice problems between employees tend to start as minor issues and, if they are
not addressed on time, can lead to discomfort. Once you've concluded that you have an issue
with one of your coworkers, make sure you discuss it with them as soon as possible.
Addressing the situation right away can lead to a swift resolution. However, if the conflict is
sudden and unexpected, it's usually best to wait until both of you have had the chance to calm
down and reflect on the matter.

Related: Examples of Conflict Theory in the Workplace

3. Keep a positive outlook

Staying positive when faced with a disagreement at work can help you maintain a good level
of productivity, reduce your stress levels and increase the chance of a simple resolution. Even
if the issue could potentially affect you, try to stay positive and put the matter into
perspective.

4. Discuss the matter in person

Once you've decided to discuss the issue with your coworker, it's best that you do it face to
face to convey emotion and avoid confusion. Although an indirect approach, such as an email
explaining your point of view, may seem like tempting alternatives to a direct approach, it is
less likely to lead to a resolution.

5. Talk calmly

People tend to get emotional during disagreements, but you should do your best to remain
calm during a workplace argument. Not only does it maintain your reputation as an employee
that's able to regulate their emotions, but can also prevent your coworker from being
defensive or aggressive.

If you feel that you may find it difficult to remain calm and collected, you can write down
some of the key points you want to make during the meeting, to keep you on track. Also, you
can ask a friend or family member to help you rehearse the conversation.

Related: 5 Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies


6. Get right to the point

When discussing the issue with your coworker, try to take a direct approach and immediately
tell them what you believe the problem is. Having analyzed the issue beforehand, you should
have a clear idea of what you need to say to them to explain what your point of view is.
Being direct may be more uncomfortable than taking an indirect approach, but it allows both
of you to openly express your points of view and maximizes the chances of fully resolving
the entire situation.

7. Try to find things you agree on

Simply stating what you consider to be wrong regarding your coworker's approach may make
them defensive and reduce the odds of a quick resolution. To avoid that, remind them that
you're on the same side. Depending on your specific situation, you can mention that you both
want the project to succeed, both of you are passionate about your company's long-term goals
or anything else that connects your goals.

8. Listen to their point of view

When addressing a conflict with a coworker, it's best to keep in mind that there may be a side
to the issue that you don't see. After making your argument, make an effort to listen and
understand what your coworker has to say about the matter and the motives behind their
actions.

After hearing their point of view, you can ask additional questions to make sure you
understand their reasoning. Properly listening to one another's points of view can help you
reach a compromise.

Related: 9 Ways to Mediate Conflict in the Workplace

9. Seek an amicable solution

You should seek to find a resolution that fits both parties. Since you are likely to continue
working together, an agreement needs to be reached, even if you agree to disagree. It's
essential that you both leave the meeting feeling like you can cooperate for the foreseeable
future.

10. Understand when a third party needs to be involved

Most interoffice conflicts can be resolved between the two people involved, but there are
some situations when a third party needs to be involved. If the issue involves a disagreement
about a project you're working on together with others, the other team members can probably
provide feedback to help resolve the conflict. If your coworker is discriminating or harassing
you in any way, the company's management and human resources department typically need
to be involved.

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