Conflict Management

Conflict management is the core skill of a manager. A conflict can result in delaying projects, adversely affecting the performance and workplace environment. If you are the manager, you need to step in immediately and take action to solve it.

Here are the steps you can follow for conflict management at your company.

Try to identify the leading cause of the problem. You can ask things like:

·        When did the incident happen?

·        Why did the incident happen?

·        Previous relation between both parties

A manager should impartially understand the information and allow everyone to play their part.

Sometimes we cannot understand the severity of the problem. You need to get complete background knowledge for a better understanding. People can find it challenging to open up in front of you because of their emotional attachment to the issue. Give them space and identify all the barriers that result in hiding the reason for conflict.

Rather than calling for a joint meeting, start with individual interactions to know everyone's point of view. If you get any confidential information, maintain their privacy. You can:

·        Give them a chance to speak rather than assuming the facts

·        Maintain trust

·        Ask for similar details.

After the individual interaction, you now know the source of conflict. Call all the related members for a meeting. Before starting the discussion, make it clear that:

·        Everyone would be calm

·        Don’t be harsh towards others

·        Don't interrupt anyone while talking, as you will get your turn

·        Propose the solution

Now moderate the discussion between them and direct it towards a solution.

Get a solution that is favorable and acceptable for all individuals. You can ask for an answer from a team member but make sure to avoid biases. Ask each party about what they want to resolve. If it is a professional issue, prioritize the company's interest. You can also make adjustments to the solution to make it applicable.

Maintain the dignity of every person while solving the dispute. After solving a conflict, you must make some agreements with the members to avoid such disputes in the future. It can include the terms like:

A.    You will take strict action if it happens again

B.    Anyone involved again will be removed from the team

C.    Everyone will maintain the decorum of the workplace