How to Turn Conflict into Collaboration at Work

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but it can also be a source of creativity and innovation if managed well. Conflict can arise from different values, perceptions, goals, power dynamics, or communication styles among co-workers. However, not all conflicts are created equal, and not all conflicts require the same response. Depending on the situation, you may need to adopt different conflict management styles and strategies to resolve disputes effectively and respectfully.

In this article, we will explore five conflict management styles and when to use them, as well as some tips on how to prevent and reduce conflict at work.

Five Conflict Management Styles

According to Thomas and Kilmann, there are five modes or styles of conflict management: accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, compromising, and competing. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages, and each style is appropriate for different types of conflicts. Here is a brief overview of each style and when to use it:

– Accommodating: This style involves sacrificing your own needs and desires for those of the other party. You cooperate highly but assert yourself lowly. This style is useful when the relationship is more important than the issue, when the issue is trivial or unimportant, or when you realize you are wrong or have no chance of winning.
– Avoiding: This style involves dodging or bypassing a conflict. You cooperate lowly and assert yourself lowly. This style is useful when you need time to think or cool down, when you have more pressing problems to deal with, or when the risks of confronting a problem outweigh the benefits.
– Collaborating: This style involves working together with the other party to find a respectful resolution that benefits everyone. You cooperate highly and assert yourself highly. This style is useful when the issue is complex or important, when you need to build trust or rapport, or when you want to learn from different perspectives.
– Compromising: This style involves finding a middle ground that partially satisfies both parties. You cooperate moderately and assert yourself moderately. This style is useful when you need a quick or temporary solution, when you have equal power or interest, or when you want to maintain harmony or avoid escalation.
– Competing: This style involves pursuing your own goals and interests at the expense of the other party. You cooperate lowly and assert yourself highly. This style is useful when you need to stand up for your rights or values, when you face an emergency or crisis, or when you have a clear advantage or authority.

Tips for Preventing and Reducing Conflict at Work

While conflict management styles can help you deal with disputes after they arise, it is also important to prevent and reduce conflict at work before it escalates or damages relationships. Here are some tips on how to do that:

– Communicate clearly and respectfully: Many conflicts stem from misunderstandings or miscommunication. To avoid this, communicate your expectations, needs, feelings, and feedback clearly and respectfully. Listen actively and empathetically to the other party’s point of view. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to express your perspective without blaming or accusing.
– Focus on the problem, not the person: When dealing with a conflict, try to separate the issue from the person. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or judgments. Focus on finding a solution that addresses the underlying problem rather than attacking the other party’s character or motives.
– Seek common ground: Instead of focusing on your differences or disagreements, try to find areas of agreement or common interest with the other party. Identify your shared goals, values, or concerns. Acknowledge the other party’s strengths, contributions, or positive intentions. Emphasize cooperation over competition.
– Be flexible and open-minded: Conflict can be an opportunity to learn something new or see things from a different perspective. Be willing to consider alternative solutions or approaches that may benefit both parties. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism that may help you improve your performance or behavior.
– Seek help if needed: Sometimes, conflicts may be too difficult or complex to resolve on your own. In such cases, you may need to seek help from a third party who can facilitate a dialogue, mediate a settlement, arbitrate a decision, or provide coaching or counseling.

Conflict is unavoidable in any workplace, but it can also be a catalyst for positive change if managed well. By choosing the right conflict management style for each situation and following some tips on how to prevent and reduce conflict at work, you can turn conflict into collaboration and create a more productive and harmonious work environment.