What is conflict? It is a state of disharmony between two or more persons, ideas or interests- a common problem that affects our happiness. Conflict at work is prevalent as the majority seeks affluence by employment. Are you one of them? Then read on.

The basis of a conflict is to understand its basics. How to deal with conflict at work? How conflict can arise at work? Conflict management is an important aspect of business as a company without a joyful staff is no company. A company with staff engaging in hostility can affect productivity and efficiency.

We are all humans

In my post on 20 tips to make your colleagues like you, most of the principles evolved there comes from how you play with other’s emotion. We are all emotional beings. Our emotions have evolved with our upbringing and belief system.

We are brought up to belief that if someone frowns at you, he is angry towards you. He does not like you. Have you seen a cheetah with a smiling face? Nature has painted its face with sporadic black and brown with fiery painted eyes. It looks dangerous. Why? We watch television how a cheetah catches its prey. We have a belief system formed in our brain that all motif filled face whether painted or natural has a venomous hidden agenda.

The snake is another example. Its colorful frightening colored skin resembles another fear gliding through our veins! Have you seen world-wrestling champions?

Randy Orton cheetah looking hairstyle, commonly known as “Mohawk”, resembles danger, fearful to the opponent. You can see most gang members’ tattoo on their arms and hand to show that they are deadly!

Therefore, our emotions are tied up with our facial expressions: we choose our expression by habit- anger to represent with frowning facial expression. Our parents did it to us as their parents showed faces to them. We learn all these human faces through observation. When you are angry, show your mad look! Have you seen someone showing a friendly face but angry?

What it all means to us?

Our observations are not the whole truth. We observe and deduce based on our ‘own’ observation. Have you seen a colleague who “seemed” not to listen to you when you are guiding him and he shows resentful face? However, when he does his work he does it with perfection.

I have many experiences with such staff. As a property manager, I need to have great energy to drive people in my work environment. I have seen people who are very friendly and active when you speak to them but actually, they do not have the aptitude to do the task. Some even do not like to take instructions. They do not show it to you but when they perform a job task, they do it correctly.

It means only one thing. Seeing is not believing. Hearing is not a fact. What you hear and what you see is not the truth.

How To Deal With Conflict At Work?

We know that what we see and hear are not facts. To resolve conflicts we need to see the parties involved in the conflicts and make them see the facts.

As a colleague, if someone shows resentment just keep away from him or her for a while. You must know by now that seeing is not believing and hearing is not a fact. Keep a distance until they show sign that you can approach them. Wait until a few days as they recuperate from their emotional setback and come to the normal mode. When they are at the happiest mode, relate to them that you are a little hurt for their resentment the other day. Ask them the apparent reasons for their change in behavior.

It is not an easy task for you in the beginning. As you recall the incident, it can cause more hurt. Do not think about the incident. Think of the best moment when you are with that person who provoked you for a conflict.

As you read this, it seemed easy but you have to take a conscious effort at that moment of resentful behavior. You have to react quickly and correctly. The person who made you laugh the other time now has provoked you for a conflict. You have to bring your emotions to zero to react correctly to such provoked incident.

What happens if resentment and arguments led to a conflict? This is when the management has to come in to resolve.

The management has to interview both parties separately and teach them the real side of a conflict and disharmony. It has to make them understand that conflict is the result of poor management of their emotions. The management has to inculcate the culture of togetherness like a family.

Companies must initiate a standard operating procedure for conflict management. By this a mediation panel is established. As a result there will be increased productivity, as the human spirit loves harmonious environment. By setting up a system, managing conflict becomes an easy task. Management can then minimize conflict as soon as it arises.

In the process of managing conflicts, the management will be able to tackle conflict at work smartly. Companies must spend time and money on conflict management. They can see it as a factor in business profitability.