Do you ever feel like tensions are high in the workplace? Conflict is inevitable. So how do you manage conflict in an effective way? Here are five simple steps to help you sort it out and get things back on track.

1) Take a Proactive Approach to Conflict Resolution

Successfully resolving conflicts is a skill that is beneficial in any situation, from the workplace to a household. Taking a proactive approach to conflict resolution is important for ensuring that disagreements and arguments don’t get out of hand, and that both parties involved end up happy with the end result. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for taking a proactive approach to conflict resolution:

• Communicate openly and honestly. Open dialogue between those involved in the conflict is highly important, as it fosters an atmosphere of respect and understanding. Keeping an open mind and avoiding defensiveness is a must.
• Stay focused on the problem. As tempting as it may be, it’s important to stay away from making the conversation personal or attacking the other party. Remaining focused on addressing the problem in an effective manner will help you reach a mutual agreement.
• Aim to satisfy all parties. The goals of the conflict resolution process should be to ensure that everybody involved is satisfied with the outcome. Seeking a balanced solution is key.

One of the biggest benefits of taking a proactive approach to conflict resolution is that it avoids the situation from escalating. Conflict can easily get out of hand when it is left unchecked, but by being proactive and addressing the problem at its source means that conflict can be managed effectively with minimal stress.

2) Find Common Ground with Your Colleagues

One of the best ways to get along better with your colleagues is to find common ground. After all, focusing on what unites us is a lot more productive than focusing on what divides us. Here are a few tips to help you establish a bond and build a healthy relationship with your fellow workers:

• Take the time to get to know your team. Ask about their interests and hobbies, their home life, their goals and dreams. Showing genuine care and curiosity about someone’s personal life helps to build connection and trust.
• Share your own stories and experiences. Talking about yourself gives your colleagues a chance to understand you better and form a relationship with you.
• When conversations become heated, take a break. Stepping away from a confrontation for a few minutes to cool down will keep things from escalating.
• Look for areas of agreement. Even if you don’t agree on everything, identifying points of agreement can help you stay focused on finding solutions.

It may take some time and effort, but if you can find common ground with your colleagues, it will improve your work environment and your work experience in general. Start engaging with your team members today and who knows, you might be surprised at how quickly your dynamic shifts!

3) Utilize Active & Effective Communication

Communication plays a pivotal role in any successful relationship, whether business or personal. Utilizing active and effective communication is essential to ensure you are being heard and that you understand the other person’s point of view.

In order to communicate better, here some advice:

• Be patient: Listen carefully and allow yourself to hear and digest what the other party is saying before you respond. You will most likely need time to consider the points as well as to formulate your own.
• Be clear: Make sure both parties understand the discussion points and goals. Ask questions when needed so as to ensure everyone is on the same page and have the same understanding.
• Be positive: Keep the tone as positive and constructive as possible. This type of atmosphere will help the discussion flow smoother and foster a productive outcome.

Active and effective communication is key to achieving a positive result. Utilizing these communication practices could help you reach a mutually satisfying decision and a better understanding between parties.

4) Keep an Open Mind and Listen to Both Sides

Making decisions in life is not easy. It often involves understanding both sides of a situation to evaluate the best approach to take. Being open-minded to both sides of an argument and willing to listen is essential in ensuring that the decisions we make are sound and consensual.

Advantages of Keeping an Open Mind

• Generates a better understanding of individual statements and arguments
• Avoids closed-mindedness which can lead to shortsightedness and poor decisions
• Gets us closer to finding a mutual understanding that benefits everyone

It helps to take a step back and take a look at what each party is saying. Rather than taking an aggressive stance right away, acknowledge differences in opinion and be willing to reconsider your own perspective once you’ve taken the time to consider what the other party is putting forward. Having an open mind when engaging in conversations – especially those which are sensitive or complex – often makes it easier to reach a resolution, be it personal or professional.

Are you ready to successfully manage and resolve conflict in the workplace? Making sure to utilize a combination of these five steps can help you to both identify and resolve issues before they become full-blown problems. When you take the time to prioritize effective communication, professional negotiation, and respectful resolution within your team, you can create a work environment where everyone feels respected and valued.