We spend a large proportion of our lives in the office or work space; it is where we earn our living, provide for our families and develop careers or dreams. There is rarely a choice about who we work with, colleagues' not 'friends' is a term used to describe the people we share a job with. This can sometimes cause conflict between co- workers and it is important to diffuse the situation quickly for an optimum work environment.

ACCEPTANCE/COMPROMISE
Understand both parties are right and wrong, a compromise is needed. Do not leave the situation festering as it will grow worse over time.

MEDIATE
A neutral person not necessarily the immediate manager can offer a blank space to listen and focus the people involved in the conflict. They need to show the team each other's point of view and find a common ground in the conflict.

NEGOTIATE
Negotiation may be needed to bring the conflict to an agreement, it may not resolve the initial problem though it will allow everyone to go on with their work without the stress of the conflict any longer. Both sides must agree to the solution and not forced into an unwanted decision.

TEAM EXERCISES
Bringing the team together in an environment outside of the normal work place can give new perspectives on their currant roles. By forcing the conflicting people to work together instead of against each other can allow them to work out the problem themselves.

RESPONSIBILITY
Everyone involved needs to take responsibility for the conflict and not pawn it off on the other person, this fuels the problem even deeper. When first approaching the problem be aware of the full scope of conflict and who is involved.

INTERVENTION
If the stress becomes too great for the team, the conflict may need to be taken completely away until it can be resolved; teams may have to be changed for a healthier environment.

APOLOGIES
When the conflict can be sorted apologies need to be said by everyone, making this effort shows the agreement, compromise has been understood everyone is ready to continue working without any problems.

Occasionally further steps to higher management may be required if the conflict can not be resolved within the team. Do not waste time when conflicts arise, no company can prevent them as it is human nature to sometimes clash and be competitive; it is up to ourselves to recognize and deal the situations as they happen so everyone can enjoy going to work.

Learn more about this author, Vicky Ann Smith.
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