Almost any conflict in the workplace (apart from violence) has the potential for a positive outcome.
The discerning factor is whether both parties are willing to compromise and work through their differences. If one party resists, insisting on the defeat of the other, then the conflict is less likely to end constructively. Intervention or a third-party resolution is then needed to resolve it.
For example, an argument between two managers concerning who is in charge of directing an administrative assistant’s work may begin as a personality clash, ego problem, or power struggle, but with compromise can evolve into a new solution for managing work flow efficiency.
Educate your employees about conflict resolution strategies. Your EAP is an ideal source for this education. They can identify resources or offer other solutions.
When employees are knowledgeable about conflict dynamics, they are more willing to let go and find the middle ground.
Click her for more information about UHD’s Employee Assistance Program, UTEAP, or call 713-500-3327.