Conflict management and methodology
Conflicts in the workplace are not uncommon. Stress, anger, too many emotions… They can have a negative impact on productivity. The consequences can be serious, even leading to dismissal. Who should I contact in the event of a workplace dispute? How do you defuse a problem? Discover effective conflict resolution methodologies.
What are the different types of conflict in the workplace?
Within the complex organization of a company, many different types of disagreement can arise.
1 – Conflict of interest
Within a company, there can be conflicts of interest between departments or teams. This type of conflict arises when objectives diverge.
2 – Conflict of ideas
A conflict of ideas arises when different people disagree on a given issue.
3 – Conflict between individuals
Conflicts at work between colleagues are very common: jealousy, different personalities, competition… Disagreements between people can also concern tensions with the hierarchy over working hours, pay, time off or the distribution of tasks. Finally, there may be conflicts with customers.
4 – Conflicting positions
Conflicting positions reflect differences of ideology. The postures adopted are not compatible.
Who should you contact in a workplace dispute?
To defuse a conflict, there are several types of interlocutors:
- The manager: constructive dialogue can be enough to solve a problem at work.
- The HR department: it can act as an intermediary and suggest conflict management solutions.
- Employee representatives: the Comité Social et Économique (CSE) has a thorough knowledge of the company and employee rights.
- The union delegate: he or she can assist the employee and support him or her in the process.
How do you manage conflict?
The key words in conflict management are speed and communication. Don’t let the conflict get bogged down, and engage in constructive dialogue.
Methodology for conflict resolution
To defuse a conflict, it’s best to act quickly. There is an effective methodology for conflict resolution:
- Take a step back.
- Express yourself calmly (you could, for example, write a letter to report a colleague’s lack of respect at work).
- Emphasize your feelings: replace the accusatory “you” with “I”.
To manage a conflict within a team, the manager can set up a brainstorming session. Confronting ideas is the best way to come out on top. Co-development thus facilitates the emergence of collective solutions. Finally, organizing a team-building activity can strengthen bonds between employees.
3 key points to remember:
- Conflicts in the workplace are many and varied;
- There are key contacts for conflict resolution;
- A conflict management methodology is essential.
Good to know! quarksUp is an HRIS solution for managing the entire employee cycle.
Thanks to this HR tool, everything can be done online. As an HR manager, you’ll be in charge of all our employees’ digital activities. With its modular offer, quarksUp intervenes from recruitment to employee off-boarding.
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