Workplace Conflict: 5 Causes & Resolution Methods

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Workplace conflict can be a thorn in your side, affecting productivity, morale, and overall workplace harmony. But fret not! Understanding the causes of conflict and learning effective resolution methods can make all the difference. Let's dive into this journey together, starting with identifying the root cause of a conflict.

1. Identifying the Root Cause

Unraveling the root cause of a conflict is like peeling an onion—there are multiple layers to explore. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you dissect the causes of conflict effectively.

Recognize the Conflict

Recognizing the conflict is the first and often overlooked step in conflict resolution. Look out for signs such as reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, or a sudden change in office dynamics. Pay attention to the subtle signals that something might be off. Remember, if you can identify it, you can address it.

Analyze the Situation

Once you've identified a conflict, it's time to put on your detective hat. Analyze the situation: Who's involved? What's the disagreement about? When did it start? It's all about gathering the facts without letting personal biases cloud your judgment.

Pinpoint the Cause

Now, we're at the crux of the matter—identifying the cause of the conflict. Conflicts often stem from a variety of sources such as conflicting interests, clashing personalities, or even misinformation. Take the example of Company X in Seattle. A misunderstanding about project deadlines caused a major conflict between two teams. Once the cause was identified—a simple miscommunication about dates—they were able to find a resolution swiftly.

2. Creating Open Communication

Once you've identified the causes of conflict, it's time to open the channels of communication. It's like clearing a clogged pipe—the more open and transparent you are, the smoother the flow.

Promote Transparency

Transparency is the key to trust. Encourage employees to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas freely. This openness can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts from cropping up in the first place. Take the case of Company Y in Austin, Texas. They implemented a policy of weekly team meetings where everyone could voice their opinions and concerns. This small step greatly reduced the instances of conflict within their team.

Encourage Dialogue

Dialogue is the bridge between confusion and understanding. Facilitate open dialogues between conflicting parties to help them understand each other's perspectives. Remember, a good conversation can turn a group of individuals into a cohesive team.

Listen Actively

Listening is a powerful conflict resolution tool. Pay attention to what is being said, and more importantly, what isn't being said. Active listening can help uncover hidden issues that may be the real causes of conflict. So next time you're in a meeting, put away the laptop and really tune into the conversation. You might be surprised at what you discover!

3. Establishing Conflict Resolution Procedures

After opening up channels of communication, the next step is to put effective conflict resolution procedures in place. Like a referee in a soccer match, these procedures ensure fair play and help resolve conflicts when they arise.

Define the Procedure

First, define a clear and fair conflict resolution procedure. This could be as simple as a step-by-step guide that outlines what to do when a conflict arises. For instance, the ABC Tech company in San Francisco, California, has a straightforward 4-step procedure: report the conflict, discuss it with a supervisor, engage in a mediation session if necessary, and then document the resolution for future reference.

Train Staff

Simply having a procedure is not enough. You need to train your staff on how to use it. Regular training sessions can ensure that everyone knows what to do when conflicts arise. This can prevent a small disagreement from escalating into a major issue.

Implement the Procedure

Finally, put the procedure into action. It's like a fire drill—you don't want to wait until there's an actual fire to find out if your plan works. Applying the procedure to minor conflicts can help you fine-tune it, and make it more effective for resolving major conflicts when they occur.

4. Promoting Teamwork

Now that you've put conflict resolution procedures in place, let's shift our focus to fostering an environment that encourages teamwork. An effective team is like a well-oiled machine—when all parts work together, it runs smoothly. But let's dive into how you can promote teamwork and reduce causes of conflict in the workplace.

Build Stronger Relationships

Building stronger relationships among team members is key. When employees know and understand each other well, they're more likely to collaborate effectively. Simple steps like organizing social events or creating shared spaces for breaks can help teammates get to know each other on a personal level. Ever heard of the 'water cooler effect'? It's all about encouraging casual conversations that build bonds.

Organize Team-Building Activities

Next, think about organizing team-building activities. These activities can range from brainstorming sessions to outdoor adventure games. For example, Google, the tech giant, often organizes 'hackathons'—a collaborative programming event that not only helps in solving complex problems but also promotes teamwork and innovation.

Enhance Collaboration

Last but not least, enhance collaboration within the team. Encourage employees to share their ideas, work together on projects, and offer constructive feedback. Collaboration tools like Slack or Trello can also be handy. After all, two heads are better than one, right?

5. Seeking Professional Help

Okay, so you've identified the causes of conflict, established open communication, set up conflict resolution procedures, and promoted teamwork. But what if conflicts still arise despite your best efforts? Don't worry—that's where professional help comes in. Sometimes, getting an outside perspective can help to resolve more serious or persistent conflicts.

Hire a Mediator

One option is to hire a professional mediator. Mediators are skilled in facilitating open dialogue, navigating difficult conversations, and finding a fair resolution that everyone can agree on. They're like the referees in sports—you may not always like their decisions, but they help to keep the game fair and orderly.

Consult a Human Resources Expert

Another option is to consult with a human resources expert. HR professionals are well-versed in handling workplace conflicts. They can help you understand the underlying causes of conflict and offer practical advice on how to address them. For example, IBM, the multinational technology company, has a dedicated HR team to manage workplace conflicts and improve employee relations.

Engage an External Coach

Lastly, consider engaging an external coach. Coaches can work with individuals or teams to improve communication, build empathy, and develop better conflict resolution skills. Just like a basketball coach can help a team play better together, an external coach can help your team work more harmoniously.

By taking these steps, you can not only resolve current conflicts but also prevent future ones from cropping up. Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate all conflicts—it's to manage them effectively when they do occur. So, are you ready to tackle the causes of conflict in your workplace head-on?

If you're looking to further understand and resolve workplace conflicts, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Navigating Life VI' by Rabih Salloum. This informative and engaging workshop will provide you with practical strategies and insights on how to effectively navigate and resolve conflicts in the workplace.