by Maria Papadopoulou

Created on: December 06, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

Harmony and peace at the workplace would be the ideal situation for every employee, but that is rarely the case. Conflicts arise at workplace which are often difficult to handle. The first step to the right direction is to understand how those conflicts get started.

How conflicts get started

1. Monologues

One of the most common reasons for conflict is the tendency we have to talk to ourselves without really paying attention to what the others are saying. While the others are talking, what we do is rehearse in our minds what we are going to respond. Trying to defend themselves, the others respond with some monologues of their own and before long, the discussion turns into a power game, while the real issue is forgotten by both parties. It is important to take some time to listen attentively to what the others are saying to be able to understand what the problem is and try to come up with a solution. Paying special attention to the tone used as well as the body language, can be extremely helpful, as often enough they can convey better what the words cannot.

2. Getting too personal

Since we spend approximately half of our day at the workplace, it is only natural for personal relationships, good or bad, to be developed. Getting too involved with colleagues however, can cloud our judgment, make us lose our objectivity and dismiss the business issues that need to be addressed and solved. In order to be able to do the work we were hired to do as effectively as possible, it is crucial to learn to separate personal from business issues. instead of trying relentlessly to make our colleagues agree with our point of view, admit they are wrong and apologize to us, it will be in everyone's best interest to try to concentrate on how we can all cooperate in order to solve business problems. Focusing on what unites us rather on what divides us will eliminate the chances of conflict.

3. Competition

While it is true that not everyone can rise to the top, that rarely stops people from trying to get there, stepping on everyone in the process. Seeing that a colleague ruthlessly tries to steal our ideas and make us look incompetent for his personal benefit, can cause huge conflict. The situation can improve if we learn to save copies of our work, accept as many challenges as possible and constantly perform to the best of our abilities. Furthermore, learning to conduct ourselves with class and integrity will help us score more points, as it will make our competitor's true colors even more clear.

Realizing what creates conflict at the workplace and coming up with ways to prevent it will definitely make things a lot easier.

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