Conflict Resolution

Within the workplace, there are several professional attributes that professionals should be striving to master.  Conflict resolution is a key characteristic that promotes success in the workplace. 

One of the main reasons that conflict occurs is because of poor communication.  Poor communication could occur because unclear directions, poor listening, or misunderstandings.  In any of these situations, proper communication could have prevented the misunderstanding that leads to conflict.  Conflict can also occur because of a difference in personalities and values (Johnson, n.d.).  Because people are unique and have a freedom to choose who they are and what they believe, there are bound to be differences between people.  These differences can get in way of working together or deciding how to proceed on a project.

Should conflict be avoided altogether?  Should we try our best to simply appease everyone around us?  Having conflict can be beneficial, I believe.  Conflict can change a person’s way of thinking and result with the best parts of multiple people’s ideas.  Conflicts can give rise to better solutions.  Conflicts, if handled appropriately, can strengthen a team as opposed to weakening one. 

Conflict resolution can occur when people respect each other and each other’s opinions.  In resolving conflict, one should separate the personal values and beliefs of a person from the problem at hand and really listen to the ideas that the other person has.  Once listening has occurred, then he or she can feel free to share ideas and facts that they feel are relevant to solving the problem.  After this, collaboration can occur where the result is an agreeable compromise or a new and better idea (Mind Tools Content Team, n.d.).  Conflict is not something to run away from, but instead, if used properly, can be a catalyst for innovation and team building.

Johnson, R. (n.d.). What causes employee conflict in the workplace? Chron. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/causes-employee-conflict-workplace-21264.html

Mind Tools Content Team. (n.d.). Conflict resolution: Using the “interest-based relational” approach. MindTools. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm