Interpersonal conflict refers to any conflict between two or more individuals. Such conflicts can occur anywhere, including in the workplace. Learning how to resolve interpersonal conflict at work makes it easier to maintain a harmonious commercial environment, as tension between team members lowers and everyone is arguably more pleasant. To help your conflict resolution efforts, review the following tips.
Free Consultation for Workplace ConflictIdentify the Specific Conflict
Interpersonal conflicts come in numerous forms, including pseudo conflicts. Such conflicts can stem from misunderstandings due to poor communication, or from two people mistakenly believing their goals are different when they aren’t. Other conflicts occur from differing values, including opposite political and religious opinions, and those revolving around egos. Meta conflicts can happen as well, such as someone complaining that another always “nods along” instead of listening to what the first person is saying.
Listen to each party to determine the source or cause of the conflict. Avoid interjecting your opinion or saying anything that sounds like you are “taking sides,” which will only heighten the tension. You want the parties to feel like you truly hear them and are committed to resolving the conflict objectively and peacefully.
Determine a Resolution Strategy Based on Said Conflict
Once you have the facts, create a resolution strategy that all sides are happy with. For example, say an employee is upset over another employee taking “all day” to respond to their emails. These delays hinder the first employee’s work, because they cannot provide the company’s clients with information as readily. Their resulting frustration can result in clipped comments directed at the second employee, tension in the breakroom, and perhaps even gossip. Resolving this conflict can include discussing why the second employee “takes so long,” which could be due to an overwhelming workload that needs delegating. By reducing the second coworker’s daily assignments, they can respond to the first team member in a more timely manner.
Create Etiquette Guidelines
Since some work conflicts are more personal in nature, it helps to issue etiquette guidelines created by the Human Resources Department. Such guidelines can emphasize that while team members do not have to like each other personally, they are expected to be professional while on premise. This involves refraining from inappropriate jokes, abstaining from discussing religion and politics, and bringing any issues to the attention of the managers. A professional work environment means everyone is civil and saves their interpersonal complaints for when they exit the building. Consider emailing the guidelines to every employee so they can easily pull the list up on their phones whenever it is necessary.
Consider Professional Interventions
Learning how to resolve interpersonal conflict at work can require utilizing outside assistance, which is perfectly normal. There is nothing wrong with hiring a professional mediator to resolve workplace conflicts, as it allows team members to discuss their grievances with someone who does not know them. This helps many people speak honestly, which helps get to the heart of the issue and find a solution quickly. All professional mediation sessions should take place in a private office or conference room away from the main work area, which avoids employees trying to listen in instead of doing their work. A private setting helps the team members involved in the conflict feel secure.
You might want to have a professional mediator on retainer, as doing so provides professional help whenever your team requires it. And whether you use a pro mediator or not to resolve interpersonal conflicts, it is generally best to have private meetings with each party before discussing the issue as a group. This helps the team members speak honestly and avoids inflamed reactions that can create further problems.
For help resolving interpersonal conflicts at work, contact Pollack Peacebuilding today!
