During every aspect of our lives, including work, it is unpleasant to have conflicts with someone. In work, conflict can lead t unhappy team members, and ultimately affect the team’s performance. However, there are certain tips to avoid toxic confrontations.
1. Be a good listener
This is the foundation of good. You want to know what what kind of personalities you work with and how to handle them. Listening is a key element.
2. Promote collaboration
By working with each other, coworkers will eventually develop mutual respect for each other’s skills and work. This can be a great solution to avoid conflicts altogether.
3. Don’t gossip
There is nothing worse than gossiping others, especially coworkers, and spending rumours. Gossip can distort the way employees see themselves within a team.
4. Encourage friendship
Team building activities are not enough to achieve this. Social outings, lunches together, and discussing life outside of work can make every worker happy in their workplace.
5. Avoid criticism
When someone makes a mistake don’t criticize them. Most probably the already know the mistake they made, and are already feeling bad enough. Blaming will lead to nowhere.
6. If conflict arises, embrace it
Despite all the best efforts to avoid conflict, it will eventually show up. When that happen don’t run away from it. Take it as an opportunity to grow and learn more about your team.
