In this article, we'll explore different types of conflict, what causes conflict, and how to reach a positive outcome when you find yourself in conflict with a co-worker. (To identify the signs of conflict occurring between other people and to help them overcome their conflict with one another, we recommend our follow-on article, Resolving Team Conflict.)
or disagreements between individuals. These clashes are driven and perpetuated by emotions such as anger, stress and frustration.
– is tangible and task-related, like the decisions leaders make, the performance of a team member, or your company's direction. If unaddressed, both can spiral into wider conflict between teams, departments or businesses.
– Some team members may feel they do more work than others, or resent those who seem to have fewer responsibilities. Blame and frustration can build due to duplicated work or unfinished tasks. – Competition for resources. Time, money, materials, equipment, and skillsets
People may focus on personal or departmental goals over organizational ones. Or be held up and frustrated by others who they rely on to do their jobs effectively
Keeping quiet only lets resentment fester. Equally, speaking with other people first can fuel rumor and misunderstanding. So, whether you're battling over the thermostat or feel that you're being micromanaged, be direct and talk with the other party.
Choose your timing when you talk to someone about the conflict. If you're angry, you may say something you'll regret and inflame the situation. Be careful to avoid playing the blame game
When you talk to someone about a conflict, it's natural to want to state your own case, rather than hear out the other side. But when two people do this, the conversation goes in circles.
that contradict what they are saying, such as a hesitant tone behind positive words. Bring these out into the open sensitively to address them together.
Some of the things the other person tells you may be difficult to hear. But remember that criticism or constructive feedback