Resolve Conflicts at Work

Resolve Conflicts at Work

Conflicts at work can be stressful and counterproductive for everyone involved. Learn to confront the other person and resolve the situation:

Decide whether you want to confront the person who is bothering you. It is usually better to air grievances in the open than to let them fester.

Speak to the other person calmly, politely and rationally. Focus on the situation and facts, avoiding gossip and personal attacks.

Be careful not to express hostility in your posture, facial expression or tone. Be assertive without being aggressive.

Listen to the other person carefully: What is he or she trying to say? Be sure you understand his or her position.

Express interest in the other person's statements. You can acknowledge his or her ideas without necessarily agreeing or submitting. Saying, 'I understand that you feel this way. Here's how I feel,' provides the needed acknowledgment.

Communicate clearly what it is that you want, offering positive suggestions and recommendations.

Speak to your supervisor if a problem with a difficult co-worker seriously threatens your work - but avoid whining.

Oh and:

Deal with problematic personalities by trying to understand what motivates their behavior, then tailoring your actions to work with that personality type. Once you grasp why people behave as they do, you will be able to interact with them more effectively.
For example, be firm with bullies at work - don't allow them to pressure you into doing anything unwanted, and be forceful in your opinions, but act with a bit of caution.

Around complainers, avoid. acting too sympathetic if you feel their complaints are weakly supported; instead, ask what sorts of actions they plan to take to change the situation. Squarely ask them what it is they want.