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Ways To Overcome Workplace Conflict
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Posted On :
Jul-25-2011
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Article Word Count :
473
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Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. Creativity and conflict are two sides of the same coin and without creativity a business cannot survive. But conflict cannot be allowed to go unresolved. If that happens it snowballs into a situation where creativity and productivity are both affected. There are some simple steps that a person can take to overcome workplace conflict.
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Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. Creativity and conflict are two sides of the same coin and without creativity a business cannot survive. But conflict cannot be allowed to go unresolved. If that happens it snowballs into a situation where creativity and productivity are both affected. There are some simple steps that a person can take to overcome workplace conflict.
An Open Mind: A conflict is not about one person being right and another being wrong. It is about differing perceptions and ideas. Try to see where the other person is coming from and a lot of what caused the conflict will be explained. Use this understanding to explain your point of view and use the increased understanding that both sides have of this situation to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.
Consider Causes: What are the underlying causes of the conflict? Is it a difference of cultures, working styles, goals, opinions etc.? Examine all the causes and identify the specific areas of difference. Once you have done this, be as objective as possible and look at how you and your attitude and approach to work may have upset the other person. Explain your attitude and work ethic and also give the other person your understanding of his or her motivations in doing the things that contributed to the conflict. Find areas where compromises can be Continue to encourage interaction between the two of you and over time, the increased understanding will smooth out many of the remaining differences.
Apologies Are Not Weaknesses: There is no harm is asking your co-worker if you have done anything to upset him or her. Maybe it was unintentional. Or perhaps your action was misinterpreted. Either way apologize if you have done something wrong or explain your motivations if it is a matter of perception.
Listen: When the co-worker is expressing his or her thoughts the problem listen carefully and do not hesitate to repeat things you are not sure about or to ask for clarifications. Misunderstandings are the cause of most conflicts and are often the reason they are so hard to resolve. Always listen with respect and show appreciation of the other person’s point of view – it will make them more open to listening to you.
Get Help: If the other person is unresponsive to your efforts to resolve the conflict, get help from a senior manager in the company. Explain the situation and the efforts you have made to resolve the problem and what you think may have caused it. Make sure that you do not sound as if you are complaining or stabbing someone else in the back – that puts you in the wrong. Make it clear that your interest is in smooth workflow and not in proving who is right or wrong.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Ways To Overcome Workplace Conflict_68489.aspx
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Author Resource :
The Stitt Feld Handy Group offers mediation and arbitration services through ADR Chambers. The Group also provides training in negotiation, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management Training using the latest adult education techniques.
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Keywords :
Dispute Resolution Courses, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation Workshop, Conflict Management Training ,
Category :
Business
:
Management
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