{"id":20141,"date":"2024-10-14T12:34:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T10:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/?p=20141"},"modified":"2024-10-14T12:37:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T10:37:18","slug":"effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace","title":{"rendered":"Effective Conflict Resolution in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Conflict\u2014the action despicable yet seemingly unavoidable. As much as human relations managers do their best to keep conflicts at bay, conflicts still find their way onto the scene, from team conflicts to personality conflicts, task conflicts, and even leadership conflicts. Conflicts do not always have to end with picking a bone, but effective conflict resolution can enhance team bonding and productivity at the workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-conflict-resolution\">What is Conflict Resolution?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Conflict \u201cis a situation in which people, groups or countries disagree strongly or are involved in a serious argument. (Oxford Learner\u2019s Dictionaries, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Conflict Resolution, also known as conflict management, \u201ccan be defined as the informal or formal process that two or more parties use to find a peaceful solution to their dispute.\u201d (Katies, para. 1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f9b2c7e7183\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f9b2c7e7183\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_In_the_Workplace\" >Conflict In the Workplace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Types_of_Conflict_At_the_Workplace\" >Types of Conflict At the Workplace<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Personality_Clashes\" >Personality Clashes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Leadership_Conflict\" >Leadership Conflict<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Task_Conflict\" >Task Conflict<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Creative_Conflict\" >Creative Conflict<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_Resolution_and_How_it_Works\" >Conflict Resolution and How it Works<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_Resolution_Technique_1-_Avoiding\" >Conflict Resolution Technique #1- Avoiding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_Resolution_Technique_2-_Accommodating\" >Conflict Resolution Technique #2- Accommodating<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_Resolution_Technique_3-_Collaborating\" >Conflict Resolution Technique #3- Collaborating<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_Resolution_Technique_4-_Competing\" >Conflict Resolution Technique #4- Competing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace\/#Conflict_Resolution_Technique_5-_Compromising\" >Conflict Resolution Technique #5- Compromising<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-in-the-workplace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_In_the_Workplace\"><\/span>Conflict In the Workplace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Conflict happens everywhere, even in the workplace. But since we spend one-third of our lives at work, we can\u2019t expect to be at loggerheads with other team members. Co-workers come in different forms and have varying personalities and qualities, yet we have to team up with them to make the most of the work. Although there are many reasons why people disagree in the workplace,&nbsp; the significant clusters are listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-conflict-at-the-workplace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Conflict_At_the_Workplace\"><\/span>Types of Conflict At the Workplace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Personality Clashes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leadership Conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Task Conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative Conflict<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s look at them one after the other.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-personality-clashes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personality_Clashes\"><\/span>Personality Clashes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-2-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-2-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-2-1-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo of discontent pessimistic ethnic curly girlfriend and boyfriend point thumbs at each other, smirk faces unhappily, blame in doing something wrong, stand against yellow and pink studio wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the free encyclopedia Wikipedia, \u201cThis occurs when two (or more) people find themselves in conflict, not over a particular issue or incident, but due to a fundamental incompatibility in their personalities, their approaches to things, or their <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Style_of_life\">style of life<\/a>.\u201d (Wikipedia, 2024). Referencing the <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.discprofiles.com\/disc-styles\/\">DiSC personality types<\/a>, which depict four major personality types, every worker is more of one disc than the other DiSC. \u2018D\u2019 stands for a Dominant personality, \u2018I\u2019 stands for Influence, \u2018S\u2019 stands for Steadiness, and \u2018C\u2019 stands for Conscientiousness. The clash occurs when employees with more of one part of the disc meet with another employee of a different disc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A dominant personality seeks to complete tasks within the shortest possible time, going all in and out and pushing maximum pressure on others who probably are either of the remaining disc personalities. This personality type is mainly seen as doing too much, being ego-centric, and too knowledgeable, hence disliked by other colleagues.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An Influence personality type is outgoing, sociable, optimistic, easy-going, popularity-seeking, and primarily talkative. Because of their lively nature, they tend to miss out on tasks because they like to have a lively mood. They also are not people who follow through with their tasks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas the Influence personality type is lively and seeks popularity, the Steadiness personality type is gentle and accommodating, very cautious and accepting. As the word says, they are steady, slow but sure. They are good listeners, making them good co-workers who are teachable. Although they are calm, they still maintain their confidence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The last personality in the DISC model is the conscientious personality- conscientiousness. Conscientiousness according to <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/basics\/conscientiousness\">pschologytoday.com<\/a>, \u201cConscientiousness is a fundamental <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/basics\/personality\">personality<\/a> trait\u2014one of the <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/intl\/basics\/big-5-personality-traits\">Big Five<\/a>\u2014that reflects the tendency to be responsible, organized, hard-working, goal-directed, and to adhere to norms and rules.\u201d They exhibit a sense of responsibility and take very good care of whatever is handed to them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leadership-conflict\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leadership_Conflict\"><\/span>Leadership Conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Managers, supervisors and other leaders at the workplace clash over micro-management, poor communication, brand idea differences and many more. Micro-managers always take up even the nitty-gritty of work meant for other leaders because they view the others as not working well or they could do it better. Sometimes, the details micromanagers give are unnecessary and can burst the piles of other leaders. Not only that, but leaders also disagree and have conflicts over what direction their company\u2019s brands should head towards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-task-conflict\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Task_Conflict\"><\/span>Task Conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This conflict occurs at all levels of management when employees have different opinions on how tasks should be done. Tasks can be completed using various approaches, but when one seems to think it must be done using their approach, leaving the others\u2019 input out, there would be a conflict.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-creative-conflict\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Creative_Conflict\"><\/span>Creative Conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of conflict can be avoided. In the world of work, we meet an array of talented people who sometimes make other people feel not gifted enough. This conflict can be avoided when other creative minds are considered and feel more accepted by having their creative ideas used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-resolution-and-how-it-works\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Resolution_and_How_it_Works\"><\/span>Conflict Resolution and How it Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"20149\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/effective-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Resolving conflicts at the workplace may seem simple, but they aren\u2019t as simple as one may assume. The practice involves different techniques that mainly arrive at a compromise. Below are five conflict resolution techniques managers and their teams can employ at the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-resolution-technique-1-avoiding\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Resolution_Technique_1-_Avoiding\"><\/span>Conflict Resolution Technique #1- Avoiding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoiding means not getting involved. Yes, just as it means, so does the application. People just withdraw from the conflict when it starts. When the result of a confrontation is deemed to cause more significant harm than the resolution, it is better to avoid it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-resolution-technique-2-accommodating\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Resolution_Technique_2-_Accommodating\"><\/span>Conflict Resolution Technique #2- Accommodating<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Accommodation comes from the Latin word &#8211; \u201c<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/accommodatus#Latin\"><em>accommod\u0101tus<\/em><\/a>, To cause to come to <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/agreement#English\">agreement<\/a>; to bring about <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/harmony#English\">harmony<\/a>; to <a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/reconcile#English\">reconcile<\/a>.\u201d (Wiktionary, 2024). This strategy involves one party in the conflict succumbing to the wish of the other party yet not being assertive. This resolution technique is often used when the conflict isn\u2019t significant and needs to be resolved for a meeting or project to continue. Also, it is used when the relationship between the parties matters, hence wanting to keep it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-resolution-technique-3-collaborating\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Resolution_Technique_3-_Collaborating\"><\/span>Conflict Resolution Technique #3- Collaborating<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This conflict resolution technique aims to resolve an issue by finding a mutual solution that is accepted by both parties in the conflict. This means both parties have their ideas heard and reach a mutual ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-resolution-technique-4-competing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Resolution_Technique_4-_Competing\"><\/span>Conflict Resolution Technique #4- Competing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, one party becomes assertive and incorporative. That party tries to have his or her way at the cost of the other party. This strategy means standing up for one&#8217;s ideas, explaining them, and defending them well enough so that they are accepted.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conflict-resolution-technique-5-compromising\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conflict_Resolution_Technique_5-_Compromising\"><\/span>Conflict Resolution Technique #5- Compromising<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The parties in a conflict always have underlying concerns, but that, in this technique, means f<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/for-women-16-ways-to-manage-your-career-after-marriage\">inding a solution<\/a> that partially satisfies both concerns. Using this approach helps to find a solution quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conflict at the workplace is inevitable, but its resolution is important to fostering an enabling environment for both employees and management. By understanding these conflict resolution techniques, individuals and teams at all business levels can handle conflicts as they arise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do you avoid conflict or better still, utilize it for a good purpose? Dive into this eye-opening article on how to effectively resolve conflicts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":169,"featured_media":20153,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1116],"tags":[1721,1720],"content_author":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-20141","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-life-at-work","8":"tag-conflict-management","9":"tag-conflict-resolution"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/169"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20141"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20141\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20141"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jobberman.com.gh\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=20141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}