7 Conflict Resolution Skills Every Employee Needs

Every workplace has conflicts, but not every employee knows how to resolve them. The good news is conflict resolution skills are learnable.

Having conflict resolution skills at the back pocket enhances every employee’s ability to deal with difficult conversations confidently. These skills foster better working relationships and a healthy work culture.

What is Conflict Resolution?

Conflict resolution is the method of tackling and settling disputes, arguments, or conflicts between colleagues or groups. This involves finding solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved. Its goal is to reach an outcome that alleviates negative emotions and promotes teamwork. Conflict resolution often involves various skills and techniques to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

Conflict resolution skills are crucial for employees to develop. They help reduce workplace tension and foster a collaborative work environment.

Identifying the Root Cause of the Conflict

Conflict resolution skills are crucial in identifying and resolving conflicts at work. In most cases, the surface problem is just a result of something deeper.

Mostly, it comes down to:

• Misunderstandings
• Values or beliefs
• Past grievances
• Perceived lack of fairness

After finding the root cause of the conflict, employ conflict resolution skills to start a dialogue. This helps both parties come up to a mutually acceptable solution.

Examples of Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict in the workplace happens as employees have distinct traits, priorities, and views. This is where conflict resolution skills play a vital role. Common examples of conflict at work include:

• Personality clashes

When employees have opposing traits, tensions can flare. For instance, a creative free spirit clashes with a rigid by-the-book manager. Their different approaches lead to power struggles, lack of cooperation, and communication issues.

• Resource scarcity

When teams or employees need to compete for limited resources like budget or equipment, conflict often arises. Resentment and disputes arise as each party strives to prioritize their own needs.

• Role confusion

Unclear duties and job descriptions lead to employees becoming defensive over certain tasks. They feel that others are encroaching on their domain. This leads to conflict over who should be doing what within a team or company.

Certain degrees of conflict are normal. Unresolved issues damages relationships, productivity, and company culture. Companies must address signs of serious or ongoing conflict through open communication and clarifying policies. Employees overcome their differences and gain new standpoints through conflict resolution skills.

Seven Essential Conflict Resolution Skills and How to Use Them

To resolve conflicts at work, employees need to develop key conflict resolution skills.  They include:

1. Communication

In conflict resolution skills, effective communication stands as a cornerstone. It includes active listening and voicing feelings clearly. Employees must restate what the other party said to confirm their understanding before responding.

2. Empathy

To adeptly apply conflict resolution skills, cultivating empathy is vital. Employees must try to understand the other party’s concerns, priorities, and motivations. Putting oneself in the other's shoes help find common ground and solutions.

3. Flexibility

Demonstrating conflict resolution skills involves showing the willingness to compromise when needed. Employees must focus on the issue and consider solutions that meet the needs of both parties.

4. Problem-solving

Approaching conflicts with well-honed conflict resolution skills solves issues and leads to better outcomes. Employees must define the root cause before determining a solution. Creative, outside-the-box thinking is helpful.

5. Patience

Resolving conflicts takes time. Exhibiting effective conflict resolution skills involves staying calm and patient. Reacting aggressively escalates tensions. Employees must avoid throwing accusations and take a break if emotions rise.

6. Respect

Essential conflict resolution skills include maintaining a respectful demeanor and tone. Employees must criticize only the ideas and avoid throwing insults. Respect builds trust and fosters an open exchange of views.

7. Commitment to resolution

A commitment to finding a solution is one of the most essential conflict resolution skills. This often leads to better outcomes. Compromise and willingness to accept other ideas are signs of this commitment.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

There are various useful ways to resolve conflicts at work. One approach is to compromise, where both parties negotiate to find a solution that satisfies their needs. They each give up part of their position to meet in the middle.

Another useful approach is mediation. A neutral third party helps facilitate communication between parties to find a solution. The mediator helps clarify issues and overcome disputes to find common ground. It is highly effective, as the mediator has no stake in the outcome and offers a neutral solution.

A "win-win" solution is the ideal result, addressing both parties’ needs and concerns effectively. This requires creative thinking to find a solution that satisfies the needs of everyone. Understanding other standpoints, communicating openly, and exploring options are key skills for achieving a win-win solution.

In other cases, it helps to agree to disagree, while maintaining a professional working relationship. While resolution is not always within reach, the willingness to "let bygones be bygones” fosters progress. The key is not letting negative feelings fester and turn into ongoing enmity.