4 points to help resolve conflict in the workplace

Most people spend at least 2,000 hours per year at work surrounded by their fellow employees. They're bound to run into conflict at some point. Whether it's an ignorant comment that doesn't sit well with someone, an ongoing performance issue that needs to be addressed or a disagreement about how to move forward in business, conflict can't be avoided. However, when resolved correctly, it can make your team (and business) stronger. The following are four important points to keep in mind when it comes to conflict resolution in your business.

Don't sit on it
Depending on the situation (and your reaction), NPR suggests acknowledging offensive or hurtful acts as soon as they happen. Of course in cases where you are feeling emotional or fired up, or when something is a consistent or persistent issue, it may make sense to cool off or consider your words before addressing the situation.

This can be hard, but it gets easier the more it happens and in a workplace that allows for it. As a manager or business owner, it's your duty to create an environment where people feel like they can speak up for themselves. This piece of advice works best for one-off comments. For example, if someone uses a dated term that's considered offensive, instead of stewing over it, you might say, "I know you may not realize this, but that term is antiquated and isn't accepted in the workplace. Please remember that moving forward." This is a simple, straightforward way to let the person who said it as well as those who heard it know that this won't be tolerated.

Address the behavior or problem (not the person).
This tip is all about reframing your thoughts. As we all learned as children, you never know what's going on in someone's life or what they've been through. For example, NPR uses an example of someone falling behind on their work. Their manager thinks it's just laziness, but it's a personal issue happening at home that's distracting. Asking the employee why something hasn't gotten done or why they have been late recently instead of making assumptions may lead to a positive conversation and solution for both of you. Maybe they temporarily need some additional flexibility. The employee will feel supported and you can get back on track. All it took was a reframing of your mindset.

Get HR involved.
Don't be afraid to talk to human resources. Depending on the situation (and if you want to remain anonymous) you can have HR make the person aware that someone is upset by their behavior. Sometimes, this is enough to stop it. You might also want to get human resources involved because they can mediate. They should bring you both into neutral territory and hear out both parties. They'll work with you to course-correct and find a solution that works for everyone. If you have a small business that doesn't have an HR department, you can hire a mediator if you think the situation warrants that, or stick to the same key principals like using neutral territory and hearing each other out.

Come up with multiple solutions.
Both parties on either side of the conflict will have a solution in mind, but usually it's not the same one. If either thought that the other party was right, there wouldn't be a conflict to begin with. Indeed suggests that to move forward, it will help to brainstorm multiple solutions for a mutually favorable outcome. As you create a list and work through it, allowing both parties to voice their opinions and issues, you'll be able to assess which solutions might work. Together, determine which solution will work for both of you and acknowledge it's the best possible solution. Remember, it's important both people acknowledge this, otherwise one person may walk away feeling like it was resolved and the other may walk away feeling even worse. 

Conflict can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it can make way for growth and a positive outcome. By incorporating any or all of the above ideas, co-workers and fellow employees can resolve nearly any issue.

Every business runs into conflict. It's important to have great legal representation as your company evolves. Get in touch with the professionals at the Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth, P.C., today to learn more about how to fully set yourself up for success in your growing venture.

Categorised in: Starting a Business in Arizona

This post was written by