No one looks forward to disagreements, disputes, and confrontation at work. However, when you have multiple personalities working closely on certain projects, differences of opinion are inevitable. Problem-solving becomes a part of your routine as a leader within any office. There is an art to resolving conflict in a way where everyone is satisfied and the team regains a sense of camaraderie.
Conflict can stem from many areas. Feeling undervalued, harassed, or even unmotivated can cause tension within an office. A workplace full of tension and animosity will not be beneficial or productive for anyone. Even though it may take patience and commitment to resolving certain issues, it’s always better to work toward harmony. Problem-solving methods start with identifying the concern, involve open communication, and continue after the initial incident to ensure continued cooperation. Follow along with this guide for a few tips and steps to problem-solving within the workplace.
Identify and Research the Problem
In one of his shows, Aaron Sorkin once wrote “the first step in solving any problem is recognizing that there is one.“ Nowhere is this more true than in workplace conflict resolution. Problems are usually multifaceted and have deeper causes than you immediately realize. Your first step is to identify the issue, then take the time to dig deep. Rather than just seeing productivity is down, ask why. Or if two co-workers are constantly bickering and arguing, perhaps take a second to find the root of that conflict. Defining the exact problem and the cause puts you in the best position to resolve the entire issue rather than just a small demonstration. After all, if you’re trying to put out a forest fire, you don’t just focus on the smoke damage.
Find a Role for Everyone
Within the workplace, employees want to feel valued and purposeful. Often conflict can arise from employee confusion over certain roles. People can feel threatened when others are stepping on their projects or running things in a bad way. One way to help resolve conflict is to make sure everyone has a specific role on your team. Give everyone their projects and goals that play off their strengths so they feel valued and appreciated.
If you’re an employee who feels undervalued and in the wrong career field, it’s okay to solve your problems by leaving the situation. Through career counseling, experts can help you find a workplace that fits your skills and interests. Set your own career goals and career path with experts who help you build a life that fits your preferences.
Open Communication
Communication is key. When you are working to resolve conflict, you need to have full and open communication. This also involves actively listening. You can’t problem-solve if you don’t hear all sides of the story. Set clear intentions for the conversation while also respecting a difference in work style and preference.
Your tools for effective communication are just as important as any other tool you use to do your job. For example, for finance and data plots, you rely on Python plt.subplots technology. You study the nuances and master the art of subplots to process financial data more effectively. In the same way, you want to study and master communication to succeed in this area in your business.
Get Everything in Writing
Problem-solving can often involve complex solutions and agreements. In these cases, it’s helpful to fully layout the steps you’re taking. Get everything in writing where all involved parties agree on your solution. Having a document you can return to clarifies positions and agreements if anything comes up in the future.
Monitor the Results
Larger problems and residual conflicts aren’t always resolved after one or two conversations. After implementing steps to resolve these issues, you’ll still want to monitor the results. How is productivity? Is everything resolved? Is everyone happy and content with their current roles? These are the questions you want to continue asking in order to maintain an environment of peace. Just know, that a one-time solution may not be effective forever. You may need to reevaluate and try new methods down the line.
