How do you resolve conflict between co-workers?

Author: Halley Harrelson Published: October 2022

Co-worker conflict can be very stressful and hard to manage. This can cause group morale to go quickly south. Here are some tips to help resolve the conflict between co-workers:

• Get involved sooner instead of later. Time will not solve the problem. Many managers avoid co-worker conflict because it is uncomfortable to deal with. As a result, they usually feel unprepared for this task.

• Meet with both employees. Meeting with each employee individually will only create more distrust. Trust is the foundation for resolving conflict.

• Start the meeting on a positive note. Ask the employees each something, such as what they value about the other person. This can help them point out positive behaviors about each other.

• Reduce the tension. If you look relaxed, you look confident and helpful. Listen carefully to your employees. They want to be heard.

• Remain objective. Typically, both parties are at fault. It is your job to help them solve the problem to work together correctly.

• Have follow-up meetings. The initial session is only the first step to resolving conflict between co-workers. At the end of the first meeting, schedule a follow-up meeting. It will be easy to say that the problem is determined after the first meeting. Therefore, it’s essential to schedule a follow-up session.

Takeaway

Managing conflict between co-workers can be one of the most challenging things about being a manager. It requires skills that may not come naturally. It’s important to stay calm, listen, and schedule follow-up meetings.

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