Effortless Ways to Resolve Workplace Conflicts Fast

In the workplace, it’s vital to resolve any type of conflict fast. Conflicts tend to sap the energy out of a team. If the issues are not sorted out quickly, the team can become dysfunctional, ineffective, and even a liability. But one of the hurdles to settling any ongoing dispute is the fact that everyone is different.

In this article, you’ll find out three ways to ensure that conflicts are dealt with speedily. But before you know how to resolve disagreements, there is an important question to answer: what is a conflict?

What is Conflict?

The dictionary defines conflict as a “competitive or opposing action of incompatibles”. Other words for conflict include clash, battle, struggle, contend with, or a striking together. So, it’s clear that engaged in a “battle” or having to “struggle” with someone is going to take a lot of time and energy.

Of course, conflict is a part of life. We all have our own opinions, viewpoints, and ideas. When channelled properly, differing opinions and ideas can result in increased creativity and an energised workforce. However, when neither side wants to back down or compromise, a conflict arises.

Three Easy Ways to Resolve Workplace Conflicts

Of course, resolving a conflict may not seem like it’s going to be easy. But, as the adage goes: “it takes two people to argue”. So, let’s look at how you can help calm down tense situations and improve workplace relationships.

1. Stay calm to settle conflicts

At the onset of a conflict, it’s vital to take a deep breath and calm down. Even if you have reason to be angry or upset, losing your cool isn’t going to help. In most cases, an angry response only puts “fuel on the fire.”

Calming down is only the first step. But it puts you in a better frame of mind to take the next practical steps in resolving any disagreements.

2. Engage in clear communication to resolve conflicts

Many conflicts are the result of poor communication skills. Misunderstandings, a clash of ideas, or different personalities can set two people against each other. Of course, every situation is different and calls for a different approach.

Here are four ways of how communication can help resolve conflicts.

• Address issues calmly—It’s good practice to take quick action to resolve any conflict. Problems can fester for a while and become bigger than they really are. So, why not arrange a convenient time to speak with the person? Try to establish the facts and make sure you go into the conversation with the intention of resolution.
• Set clear expectations—You know what you expect of others, but do they know this? It’s equally vital that you understand what others expect of you. So, setting out some guidelines or principles can help prevent misunderstandings.
• Be an active listener—Be in the habit of always actively listening to people. Active listening is the skill to comprehend what is being said—not planning your response.
• Respect other’s opinions and differences—Every person has their own way of doing things. So, if personalities, styles, or ways of speaking bother you, try to recognize that differences exist and embrace them.

Related reading: How to improve your communication skills.

3. Develop emotional awareness

Being emotionally aware of yourself and the other person will help resolve many workplace conflicts. Maybe you think that emotional awareness doesn’t sound easy. But is trying to understand yourself and others.

For example, try to analyse why you react to disagreements in a certain way. Is it because you want instant, rational solutions? Or, maybe you prefer things being done in a certain way? Whatever it is, understanding yourself will help you settle disagreements.

However, emotional awareness also involves understanding others. Why do they react in a certain way? Are there underlying issues to deal with? Maybe they are on a tight deadline and want things done faster than you can manage.

You may also realise that you had some part to play in the conflict. If so, an apology can go a long way to helping to resolve many misunderstandings and disagreements.

Resolve Workplace Conflicts — In Conclusion

Don’t let workplace conflicts rob you of your inner peace. Addressing issues quickly and calmly are the first steps to sorting out the problem. When you speak with the other person, active listening and being emotionally aware can diffuse a potentially explosive situation.