There is a very good reason why Workplace
conflicts turns out to be so often viewed in a negative light by most
people. Sometimes even very small differences between individual team members
may seem to be too much for most people to handle, and frustration, tension,
and feelings often follow even relatively minor interpersonal conflicts.
Workplace conflict can feel too overwhelming for even the steadiest of
individuals, who may sometimes feel like walking on eggshells all the time. It
is important for each individual worker to have a personal work area where he
or she can relax, where there are no worries about conflicts with other
coworkers, and where colleagues who may need support during tough times can
find comfort.
When an individual or team comes to an unexpected fork in the
road in terms of their conflict-resolution process, it is imperative that they
do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of the problem. By taking immediate
action and resolving workplace conflicts, managers help to ensure that the
employee feels supported and that everyone involved is on the same page. If
workers are left to their own devices in these situations, resentment often
sets in, and the employee may begin to question the organization's motives for
being concerned. Even the most dedicated, seemingly zealous employee can lose
his or her job if he or she tries to voice opposition to the management's
resolution process. A manager has to let go of the need to control every
situation and to give in to employee needs.
Every management issue has the potential to cause a significant
rift between parties involved. Therefore, it is crucial that every opportunity
for resolution is utilized; this includes the opportunity to discuss the
problem in detail with all parties involved before taking any action. This way,
the employees involved can decide together what course of action will best
serve them and how they plan to get the job done. In addition, every employee
should be encouraged to offer input in terms of the resolution strategy; this
helps everyone stay on the same page and also shows the higher management that
employees care about the outcome as much as the company does. The goal of
resolving conflicts is to create a work environment where people's actions and
attitude towards each other are harmonious and positive.
Although many business organizations have already established
formal conflict resolution processes, there is still a need to cultivate good
conflict resolution skills in all employees. Effective conflict resolution
means finding the middle ground, especially when there is a heated argument
that is expected to remain unresolved until some sort of compromise is reached.
However, it is not enough to simply state that a compromise has been reached.
It is necessary for the manager to ensure that the team members take
responsibility for resolving the workplace conflict in the manner that is most
beneficial to the company.
A manager has to take the time to listen carefully to the
different concerns of employees. Many of the conflicts that occur in the
workplace can be resolved with a simple "I apologize" or "I will
try." However, if an individual feels that their complaint has not been
adequately addressed, they may feel comfortable making a formal complaint. Once
it is decided that a formal complaint is warranted, the manager must approach
it with caution. While resolving conflicts with employees can be extremely
beneficial to a business, it is important for the manager to avoid situations that
will result in employee grievances.
By taking the time to listen carefully to all of the different
concerns that employees bring forth, a business manager can find the best way
to resolve any Workplace
conflicts. Depending on the nature of the conflict, the manager may find
that the best approach will involve a team discussion or family meeting. In any
case, resolving conflicts in the workplace is an exercise that must be
approached with patience and care. By resolving any workplace conflict
promptly, employees will feel comfortable coming to work knowing that their
place of employment is not in danger.