How to Resolve Dissension at the Workplace

[Md. Anikuzzaman]

Human nature ensures that workplace conflict will occur. Even businesses with award-winning corporate cultures aren't immune to periodic problems. The way adverse situations are handled helps shape the work environment. Workplaces that are rife with conflict often lose the fight against counterproductivity. While you can't eliminate all problems from the workplace, you can take a proactive approach to solving them when they arise. Don't allow weeds to overtake your garden.

1.

Serve as a competent mediator. Lending your ear to disputes can provide a fresh perspective and defuse tension. Approach mediation with a commitment to impartiality. State your intention to help resolve the situation in a fair manner. Ask all parties to be cooperative with the process. Stress the need for professionalism and honesty. Listen to both sides without becoming condescending or impatient. It may be necessary to schedule several sessions to resolve complex issues.

2.

Disregard personal attacks when you're brought into hostile situations. You may be caught off guard with questions regarding your opinions of workplace drama. Not giving an answer or providing the "wrong" opinion can make you a target of criticism. Remember that the heat of the moment may cause people to say harsh things. Don't allow hurt feelings to cloud your judgment. Walk away from conversations if they descend into shouting matches. Alert management when conflict is prolonged or disrupts normal workplace operations.

3.

Uncover hidden problems. Feuding employees may not be forthcoming about how the conflict started or what has been done to fuel the flames. Ask supervisors for background information about disputes. Observe interactions between feuding employees to identify negative behaviors on all sides. Address your findings with all parties, along with possible solutions to prevent further conflict.

4.

Explore reasonable solutions. Stress that discord has a negative effect on the overall workplace atmosphere. Ask conflicting parties what it would take to solve their issues. Encourage them to think beyond their anger and let professionalism prevail. Sometimes simple apologies can calm hostilities. Implement solutions that best meet the needs of everyone. Recognize that it may be beneficial to separate employees who harbor deep resentment towards each other -- at least in the short-term.

5.

Equip employees with conflict resolution skills. Incorporate problem solving into regular mandatory employee training. Stress the importance of using effective workplace communication to resolve small issues before they escalate. Techniques learned in training may prevent employees from using violence to resolve issues.

Source: http://work.chron.com/resolve-dissension-workplace-17077.html