by Glenn Magas

Created on: February 09, 2010

Running into constant conflicts at work can cause unproductively, lack of motivation in the workplace, and poor performance. A conflict between two coworkers, a manager and a subordinate, or even a client outside of work can affect all the above and more.

Handling conflicts at work is a skill that every effective worker should learn how to do. Without this skill, more conflicts may occur. With this skill, conflicts will be minimized or avoided all together.

These three tips are ways on how to handle conflicts at work.

1. Think “win-win”
2. Listen before you speak
3. Avoid conflicts at all costs

If you want to improve productivity and motivation in the workplace, these three tips will start you on the right path.

1. Think “win-win”

Finding a solution that works is key. Each person is ‘right’ every time. The problem is, their opinion may be in conflict. Compromise is usually the frame of thought when it comes to solving a conflict. Meeting half way may also be the way to set things right – but the only way to make things the best it can be is to both get what each other wants.

Does this mean compromise? Possibly, if both party still gets what they want and is happy with the resolution. Does meeting half way work? Probably not – as one party may still feel they are getting the short end of the stick.

Finding a win-win solution by taking turns on communicating the issue is the only way to find a solution where both parties find resolution to their conflict. This is, as Stephen Covey states, where people can seek mutual benefits. If both parties are mutually benefited, you have found a win-win situation.

2. Listen before you speak

Lack of motivation in the workplace could be the direct result because conflicts arise and escalate because both parties talk ‘over’ each other. Lack of communication is one where both parties try to get their point across and often times this is a one-sided conversation. The proper way to communicate is to listen first in order to understand.

The best communicators in the world may rarely utter a single word. They listen, gather information, and if need be, offer opinion on the situation. A great communicator is one that listens, and by listening first before speaking, conflicts may be resolved and avoided all together.

3. Avoid conflicts at all costs

This is the best scenario when handling conflicts at work. It may be the most difficult. It is not simply turning you back and walking away, but applying the first two tips: finding a win-win situation before a conflict arises, and listening first in order to gather information. This could lead to the avoiding a conflict before it starts.

Always thinking about mutual benefits when approaching every situation, making sure to listen in order to understand also gives support to mutual benefits, and always applying these steps, as a problem solving technique, is a great way to handle and yes, avoid all conflicts!

By applying these 3 steps on how to approach any given problem or issue that may arise can immediately prepare you to handle all conflicts at work. This will improve morale, motivation in the workplace, and effectiveness of every employee directly or indirectly involved in the situation.

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