RESOLVING CONFLICTS IN THE WORKPLACE

Resolving personal conflicts and work-related conflict resolution have overlapping principles, because both deal with relationships to others. Key principles for resolving job conflicts overlap with some of the key skills applicable to more personal communication and conflict resolution, such as active listening, empathic responses and one’s ability to manage their own emotions.

Key processes, including negotiation and problem solving, are as applicable to the workplace as they are in a more personal context. However, workplace relationships differ from personal relationships because there are explicit assumptions that the common context is productivity and the accomplishment of a work goal.

A key difference is that, in a work environment, there is always a clear power hierarchy in which there are reciprocal relationships between employees and between subordinates and supervisors. Dr. Paul Standal finds that particular personalities at work can be toxic, so one of the most important skills that he helps his clients with who are experiencing occupational distress is dealing with difficult people at work. One of the most challenging situations for his clients who are also supervisors or owners is how to deal with negativity in the workplace and how to deal with problems caused by negative feelings.

One size does not fit all in dealing with workplace management of conflict. There are different levels of conflict with different personalities involved. Dr. Standal often tells his clients that successful managers have obtained the equivalent of a degree in psychology when they have mastered resolution tactics and when to use them.