While every office in the world has different ideas, atmospheres, functions, and individuals, there are some common conflicts that almost every employee has encountered. It’s not a surprise to face problems with co-workers or management. Anyone who works closely with other people will encounter conflict at one point or another. But what can you do to ease the tension when you’re all trying to reach a shared goal? Thankfully, there are tools and techniques that you can use in the workplace to resolve conflict and open communication. Here are a few tips to help you create an enjoyable and effective workplace environment.
Active Listening
While this may sound like great advice for a first grader, it can actually have a positive effect on adults as well! When tensions arise, it’s important that those involved in the conflict feel heard. Simply listening to their thoughts and feelings about the conflict can help tremendously. Remember that you can’t please everyone in every situation. It’s important for everyone involved to feel as though they were acknowledged, even if it didn’t work out the way they wanted it to. Listen to your employees, managers, or colleagues to in order to prevent them from feeling rejected or alone.
Effective Communication
With all of the different ways we can communicate nowadays, you’d think that communication has gotten easier. However, this isn’t always the case. Between emails, text messages, workplace chat forums, and face-to-face interactions, there’s no shortage of ways for messages to be misconstrued or missed entirely. Just because we have more communication channels doesn’t mean we have better communication skills. In addition, the emotions behind a text can easily be lost on the receiver. A simple request can come across as a rude demand if it’s read in the wrong tone. It’s vital to practice effective communication when attempting to be productive with a team. If a critique or a request is received better in person, then bring it to their attention at their desk instead of via email. Remember to choose the right medium to deliver information. Use positive language to help motivate those around you. An HR executive recruiting firm can help strengthen communication in the workplace.
Check Your Emotions
If a conflict happens at the office, we can’t exactly react the way we would at home. While you may feel more inclined to throw a tantrum in the comfort of your own home, you shouldn’t behave that way in the office. When you find yourself in an emotionally charged situation in the workplace, take a few moments to breathe. Take a long walk. Go grab a cup of coffee with a friend to vent. Sit and meditate for a bit. Take the time to calm down so you can approach the situation from a more practical perspective. Try to leave your emotions at the door and find a conflict resolution method that works for you and your circumstances. Human resources recruiting agencies will always recommend taking time to calm tensions and allowing emotions subside before discussing a resolution. Contact the professionals at The Christopher Group for more tips on how to resolve workplace conflicts.