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.