It isn’t uncommon to experience conflict in the workplace. While such situations might be uncomfortable, the success of your service station depends on how well you work through them.
In this article, you’ll find strategies to use in order to work through conflict and foster a healthy, communicative place to work.
Embracing Conflict
While avoiding conflict is the first instinct for many people – employees and managers alike – doing so doesn’t resolve any problems. Another common response to conflict is to retaliate, and that is equally as ineffective.
Instead of ignoring or growing combative, it helps to view conflict as a natural aspect of human relationships. Instead of being negative, it can be an energising force that stimulates the creation of fresh ideas, innovation, and strengthened trust.
Getting Ahead of Conflict
Having a plan for conflict and knowing how you’ll respond when issues occur is key. Note: we are not referring to bullying, harassment, or discrimination – as those behaviours count as abusive, not conflictual, and should be dealt with immediately.
Run-of-the-mill workplace conflicts can typically be dealt with constructively by resolving agreements before they become unmanageable. This can be done through open and respectful communication, where people feel free to express disagreements and know they are being listened to.
To resolve a dispute, focus on the problem instead of the people. Dissuade the notion of ‘winners and losers’ and identify the root causes of the conflict to come to a logical solution.
Training for Conflict
Conflict management training at work can do wonders when dealing with tough situations. This training helps employees recognise their behaviours, motivations, and reactions, and therefore they’re more likely to understand how they affect those around them.
Conflict management training teaches employees how to cool down a situation and keep incidents from becoming personal or combative. Employees who receive such training are less likely to experience conflict, and they’re more likely to be able to resolve an issue on their own, which is why such training should be included in your onboarding process.
Dealing With Conflict
The key to dealing with instances of conflict at your service station is to do so with compassion. Everyone wants to be treated with respect, and when you find a resolution through compromise, everyone feels as if their perspective has been acknowledged.