How to resolve conflicts at work: 9 practical tips

In the work environment, certain types of potentially conflictive circumstances usually arise.

In this article we will see some practical advice on how to resolve conflicts at work appropriately, so that these do not become a problem that threatens our continuity of work in said position.

• Related article: "Conflict resolution: crisis or hidden opportunities?"

9 tips to resolve labor disputes

In the following lines we will see a list of practical suggestions to know how to resolve conflicts at work and maintain a more adaptive work environment.

1. No need to be friends with your coworkers

This first piece of advice refers to the fact that labor relations they do not necessarily have to transcend a personal friendship; In some cases, professionals try to force this situation, which results in incensable conflicts within the work environment.

The ideal is to understand the difference between the different roles we play at certain times; When we are in our work environment, we are exercising a professional role that focuses on the fulfillment of our work activities.

The treatment must be cordial, but the relationship must not be passed off as what it is not.

2. labor communication

One aspect that is quite positive when resolving conflicts at work is maintain proper communication with our colleagues, including our bosses. Shutting up when we don't like something can result in major complications, since it favors the accumulation of problems in teamwork dynamics.

The best thing will always be to express our points of view on certain situations that may be happening and are not to our liking, doing it in a polite way and without generating conflicts with our speech (communication assertive).

3. identify the conflict

It may happen that we feel uncomfortable in our work environment, but we do not know for sure the reason for this climate of hostility.

When this happens, we must dedicate time to carry out an exercise of introspection, so that we can find the cause of our discomfort by making a conscious evaluation of some personal aspects that we had not previously considered.

4. Implement active listening

Regardless of the conflict we may have, or our work environment, practicing active listening always helps to resolve conflicts. When we conscientiously listen to what others have to say, we are closer to finding a solution to conflicts.

We must not let emotions and impulses limit our ability to listen to others. Despite the fact that in some cases the others are not handling the correct language, it is best that we Let's control the situation and interpret what is the basic message that the other is trying to express person.

5. Use trained mediators

In some circumstances it is best to seek the help of a mediator who has the necessary skills and character to provide support in the face of labor conflict. When you are able to recognize that you need help and seek it, the conflicts become smaller.

We are not always going to have the possibility of resolving on our own all the conflicting situations that arise at work, In some cases, it is best to be humble and ask for the collaboration of a colleague who is willing and available to help us.

• You may be interested in: "Psychotherapy and mediation: similarities and differences"

6. Promote practical thinking

Practical thinking often goes a long way in preventing labor disputes from arising. People who use this type of thinking tend to stay away from situations where they may be involved in incensable enmities and hostilities. They basically don't get into where they don't really need to get involved.

It is not about being a limited person, but about better evaluating the situations in our work environment and determining where it is appropriate to get involved and where it is not so much.

7. Make good use of body language

Our body transmits our sensations in a way that is often unconscious; that is why we must learn to handle it correctly. It could happen that although we are not expressing our discomfort in words, it can be evidenced in our body language.

It is a situation that generally favors conflict with other people, taking into consideration that others They don't know what the reason for our body expression is and they might think it has something to do with them.

8. Learn to think collectively

Although we are people with individualistic traits, within our work environment we must adapt to think in a broader context than that of our interests and particular needs.

In most cases, when you have a job it is necessary to participate collectively to achieve the objectives set. Pretending that we can impose our needs above those of others will inevitably create uncomfortable situations for us at some point.

That is why the best thing to do would be to get used to thinking collectively and understand that everyone has the right to a pleasant and functional work environment with the possibility of expressing themselves in a timely manner and being taken into account.

9. Avoid the fight of egos

Conflict resolution is not about fighting to see who is right and making it clear to everyone that the other was wrong; on the contrary, you have to find a lowest common denominator, something that does not leave parties humiliated and that is not based on constant reproaches. For this reason, we must put common interests first and not use dialogue and negotiation sessions as a way to vent.

Bibliographic references:

• Get up, R. (1998). Analysis and resolution of conflicts. A psychological perspective. Bilbao: University of the Basque Country.
• Burton, J. (1990). Conflict: Resolution and Prevention. Virginia: Center Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University, The Macmillan Press.
• Dahrendorf, R. (1996). Elements for a theory of social conflict. Madrid: Tecnos.
• Fisas, V. 1998. Culture of peace and conflict management. Barcelona: Editorial Icaria.
• Thomas, K.W.; Kilmann, R.H. (1974). Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. New York: Xicom, Inc.