Effective Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Negotiation
Negotiation is the process of exchanging conditions until a compromise is reached. Negotiations usually begin with elusive demands. If a party gives in too easily, they may appear weak, and the other party will be encouraged to demand more and offer less.
Troubleshooting
This approach attempts to find a compromise to reconcile or integrate the needs of both parties. It defines the conflict as a mutual problem, and the parties cooperate in finding a solution satisfactory to both parties (I win, you win).
Conflict Can Be Destructive When:
- It controls all the attention.
- It destroys the self-concept.
- It divides people and reduces cooperation.
- It increases the differences.
- It leads to destructive behavior.
Conflict Can Be Constructive When:
- It involves people in solving problems.
- It generates authentic communication.
- It helps to release emotions, anxiety, and stress.
- It develops cooperation and a willingness to learn from others.
- It helps develop understanding and skills.
Conflict LADINAMO
- What was the situation that caused the conflict?
- What was the conflict, and who is involved in it?
- How was the conflict behavior characterized?
- What were the consequences of the conflict settlement?
Techniques for Resolving Conflicts
- Recognize conflict.
- Set goals.
- Establish regular communication.
- Report concerns.
- Prevent disagreements.
- Keep ego out of management styles.
- Stay creative.
- Openly discuss the differences.
- Continuously promote the use of department policies.
- Provide information as needed.
Monitoring Strategies to Minimize Conflicts
- Constantly review the job description.
- Meet regularly with supervisees.
- Produce reports that include achievements, needs, plans, and other issues.
- Perform different skills to meet the needs of staff.
- Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures.
Analysis of Conflict
- Define the problem.
- Collect as much information as possible about what is happening.
- Analyze the problem rationally.
- Look for possible solutions.
- Examine the pros and cons of each possible solution.
- Choose the best possible solution.
- Act and implement the solution.
- Observe the results.
Conflict Management Level: Intrapersonal (Emotional)
- Identify the conflict.
- Discuss the conflict with a trusted person or write about the situation.
- Identify what you can do about the conflict (have a cooling period).
- Take action.
Conflicts with Other Management
- Reflect on the following: “Often we do not like in others what we dislike about ourselves.”
- Control yourself.
- Discuss in private, if possible.
- Listen and do not interrupt unless you want clarification.
- State what you agree with and what you disagree with.
- Work with the conflict, not focusing on the person.
- Check what you heard and understood.
Fatal Errors in Conflict Management
- Inadequate preparation.
- Not acting on the principle of WIN-WIN.
- Use of bullying behavior.
- Being impatient.
- Acting cold-bloodedly.
- Talking too much and listening too little.
- Not taking into account the conflict itself.
Failures of Conflict Management
- Rebelling.
- Making it a personal conflict.
- Using defense mechanisms.
- Having a rigid attitude towards the situation to be resolved.
- Demonstrating little bargaining power.
- Letting emotions run free until objectivity is lost.
Strategies for Promoting Conflict Management
- Listening.
- Dealing with conflict.
- Developing a mental and emotional attitude of win-win.
- Being willing to be tolerant with assertiveness.
- Finding relief in expressing one’s feelings by avoiding the extremes (repression and exploitation).
Techniques for Handling Conflict
- Analyze, diagnose problems, recognize attitudes that generate conflict, and consider action alternatives.
- Develop negotiation skills.
- Bring matters to a vote when you cannot reach unanimity.
- Use negotiation and arbitration.
- Practice relaxation techniques to calm down and maintain control of emotions.
Characteristics of Good Business
- Having an attitude of win-win.
- Being flexible in approach.
- Being hard/firm at the bottom and soft on the form.
- Searching and analyzing proposals in depth.
- Being patient and tolerant.
- Not taking personal attacks to heart.
- Identifying the interests of others.
- Being a good listener.