Managing Conflict in the Workplace
by: Cara Griffin-Locker, IMH
We all have a desire and need for
a sense of
control. Having control gives us power
and helps us predict and manage events in the world around us. However, the
need and desire for control can be unsatisfying and eventually lead us to
conflict with others. This is especially common in the
workplace. How does one get control? They take it, makes decisions and then
start to give commands. This is usually when conflict arises. Conflict occurs
when others also seek control and the result is often a vicious cycle of
fighting for power. Ultimately, the
greater the desire to control, the greater the fear of losing it. Unless we
live as a hermit we cannot do everything ourselves. So how do we manage control
conflicts in the workplace? Here are some helpful tips that you can utilize
when faced with obstacles that create dilemmas.
1)
Define
acceptable behavior- Having a definition of what constitutes acceptable
behavior is a positive step in avoiding conflict. Create a framework for
decision making and clearly define job descriptions so that people know what is
expected of them. Also, establish a chain of command for effective
communication. Clearly and publicly make it known what will not be tolerated.
2)
Hit
conflict head on- While you can’t always prevent conflicts, seek out areas of
potential conflict and proactively intervene in a just and decisive fashion. This
will likely help prevent certain conflicts from arising. If a conflict does
come about, you will likely minimize its severity by dealing with it quickly.
Time spent identifying and understanding natural tensions will help to avoid
unnecessary conflict.
3)
Understanding
the “what is in it for me” factor- It is critical to understand others’
motivations prior to voicing an opinion. To help avoid conflict, focus on those
around you and their objectives. If you
approach conflict from this perspective you will find few obstacles will stand
in your way when it comes to resolving conflict.
4)
The
Importance Factor- Pick your battles and avoid conflict for the sake of
conflict. If the issue is vital enough to create conflict then it is surely
important enough to resolve. If the issue, circumstance, or situation is
important enough, people will do what is necessary to open lines of
communication.
5)
View
conflicts as opportunity- Hidden within virtually every conflict is the
potential for a tremendous teaching/learning opportunity. Where there is
disagreement there is an inherent potential for growth
and development.
