Disputes and disagreements are inevitable. Everyone is their own person with things they like and dislike. It is only natural that so many people who meet have disagreements. It is a way to grow. You either learn to defend your choices or accept the flaws in your perception. Such situations not only arise in personal life but also in professional life. There will be ideas you think are unwise to go through, decisions that might affect your colleagues differently than aimed, attitudes of people, and much more that can trigger an argument. That’s how workplace conflicts take place.

Little sparks may start big fires. It is essential to bring back harmony between the parties and the office. If you are a professional who doesn’t know how to deal with workplace conflicts in an office setting, the steps below are your salvation.

Communication.

Ask the parties involved for a time and place they will be comfortable talking about their conflicting interests. Communication is the first step in anything. Without it, we cannot reach a compromise or a solution. It will be clear in the heat of the starting argument what each person wants. But anger clouds judgement. A calm place to talk will also give time to them to contemplate their behavior. Communication will always be the key to a solution.

Focus on behavior and events.

Considering personalities while making a decision can hinder proper redressal and resolution. It is the behavior of people during disputes and the event in which such a disagreement took place that will shed some light on the rights and wrongs of the parties involved. Focus on what has happened more than who did it.

Listen.

Listen to both parties and understand their sides. Ask questions for clarifications. Listen to know than to speak. Each party will have a point in the whole argument that they found offensive. Let them talk about what they didn’t like. Listen to both sides from a neutral and unbiased vision and help them come to a compromise of sorts that will in the future either mend the relationship or avoid disputes completely.

Points of disagreement.

Identify these points of disagreement and resolve them with negotiation and compromise. Let them understand each other’s side. Though what they think will be out there, some time alone with their thoughts will help them self-reflect and understand where they went wrong. Proper points of disagreement that led to a conflict should be identified and found solutions.

Planning.

Form a plan to curb and prevent this conflict from arising again. Conflicts can disrupt the proper flow of work. Design a way of interaction between these parties and try to follow it through. This plan should help mend their relation or at least work out in a way that doesn’t affect their work output.

Follow through.

Plans set can all go to waste if not followed through. For better results and lesser conflicts, dedicate time for discussions and resolutions. Let the plan you have made take shape and make way for a better working atmosphere for both parties. Following the plan is essential any change is to be seen.

Build on progress.

Always appreciate the positive changes that are brought about as conflicts dissolve. Small steps can still lead to a better workplace experience. Everyone loves being appreciated. The more you appreciate an action, the more they are willing to do that again. Appreciating the changes in their actions and behaviors towards each other is one way to push the motive of harmony between them.

There are different ways you can help dissolve a conflict at work. There will be limitations for you as a colleague or a manager but helping each other out is nonetheless better than just watching the showdown. It will not only help them but also raise their respect for you. Learn to be impartial and bring about the solutions in a calm way that doesn’t harm the work environment or the output.

Have you ever faced workplace conflicts? What were the ways you tried to resolve them? Comment below and let us know how you restored harmony.

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