How to handle workplace conflicts (with examples)

Conflict is part of every workplace. As more employees return to on-site work, disagreements are bound to happen. But armed with the right tools, you can handle workplace conflicts like a pro and keep your career on track.

We'll walk you through different examples of work conflicts and give you practical strategies to deal with them effectively. Here's what this article will cover:

• Types of conflict at work
• Common workplace conflict scenarios
• Resolving conflicts in the workplace
• How to answer workplace conflict questions in an interview
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Types of conflict at work

Understanding the types of workplace conflict is crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive environment. Let’s explore the various scenarios where conflicts may occur and how they can be effectively managed:

1. Interpersonal conflicts

Colleagues may disagree because of differences in personalities, communication styles, or personal beliefs. This may result in clashes and friction, affecting overall team productivity. Workers may have conflicts with management if they need more opportunities to voice their opinions. This can cause a drop in employee morale.

2. Intergroup conflicts

Disagreements can arise between teams due to work styles, poor communication, or differences in goals. When one team feels inferior to another, it can create tension. Conflicts may also arise when workers feel that management allocates resources unevenly.

For example, if the IT team gets new laptops and ergonomic office chairs, customer services may feel upset that they didn't get the headphones they requested. All these issues can lead to poor collaboration and a hostile work environment. 

3. Organizational conflicts

Some conflicts may arise from organizational structure or policies.

For example, a company may have a flat management hierarchy. If there's no strong leadership, decision-making may be slow and frustrating. Employees may not have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. This can cause misunderstandings as they may feel that their colleagues need to pull their weight. 

Conflicts may also arise with changes in the company's direction and strategy. For example, a company may decide to focus on online sales and shut down some of its physical stores. Staff may disapprove of the changes in their roles and responsibilities.

Common workplace conflict scenarios 

Here are some scenario examples of workplace conflict: 

1. Resource allocation

Conflicts can arise over budgets or resource allocation prioritization. For example, the marketing team may need additional staff to cope with its workload. Although it may not get any new hires, the design team did get a few new designers.

Or the manufacturing team may also request a machinery upgrade to increase output and simplify processes. Management may decline their request but give the research and development team new laboratory equipment.

To resolve conflict early regarding resources, try communicating regularly and transparently with your manager regarding resource allocation. If they can't grant a request, ask them to explain why. You can also learn the criteria for resource allocation and involve senior management in the decision-making. This can create a sense of fairness to reduce conflicts. 

Review and reassess your team's resource allocation quotas regularly to ensure they're effective. Get feedback from team members to make the necessary adjustments and improve the process. Encouraging a collaborative workplace culture will help teams cooperate instead of competing against each other. 

2. Work style differences

Conflicts can also stem from different approaches to work. Some individuals may push for high-risk investments, while others prefer safer investments with smaller returns. One team member may prefer to collaborate on a task, while another may feel more productive working independently. 

There may be clashes over project management methodologies or workflow processes. For example, a team member may want to use the waterfall methodology, but another team member may find it inflexible and ineffective. They may prefer the agile methodology, as it's more adaptable, even at the last minute. 

To resolve work-style conflicts, focus on finding common ground with your coworkers. Learn about their values and goals and consider how they relate to the team's vision and mission.

You can also consider the value of diversity and remember that it's a strength rather than a weakness. Different work styles complement each other and encourage creativity and innovation. 

3. Personality clashes

Varying personalities may lead to conflicts, especially when communication styles or personal values differ.

For example, a highly meticulous team member may often discuss the details of a project during meetings. Another team member is a visionary and focuses on the big picture. They may find it frustrating to discuss minute details and prefer brainstorming the overall strategy. 

Conflicts can also arise between introverts and extroverts. Introverts may prefer to think things over in their heads, while extroverts prefer to collaborate with others and exchange ideas.

The introverted team member may feel that the extroverted one is disruptive when discussing ideas with them. The extroverted team member may perceive the introverted one as unhelpful and unfriendly. 

Employees can take personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the DISC model, to resolve these conflicts. You can also discuss different personality types with your coworkers so they can appreciate their colleagues' strengths and weaknesses. 

Resolving conflicts in the workplace 

Explore these conflict resolution strategies: 

1. Resolving workplace conflict through mediation 

Mediation is a neutral platform for resolving disputes and restoring relationships. Find a private, neutral place to talk to so that everyone feels comfortable having an honest and open discussion.

You can request a third-party mediator to join the session. For example, someone in the HR department can join the discussion to mediate. You can also use a structured session with a clear agenda from the start. 

You can use the following mediation techniques: 

• Active listening: Paraphrase and summarize what the other person is saying. Ask open-ended questions for clarification, maintain eye contact and nod. Active listening shows you respect and value the other person's viewpoints and concerns. It can also help you better understand the other side.
• Identifying common ground: Find areas of agreement, shared values, and mutual interests. These can build trust, move the conversation forward, and serve as a basis for collaboration. 
• Brainstorming solutions: Explore different options for resolving the conflict. Look for win-win scenarios that can benefit both people and create value.

2. Resolving workplace conflict through negotiation 

Conflict negotiation focuses on finding an agreement that meets everyone's needs. This means not giving in to the other person's demands or imposing your position. The focus should be on seeking mutual gains or a win-win solution.

One effective negotiation tactic is to listen more than you talk. Active listening helps you understand what the other person wants and helps them feel heard and understood. 

Another tactic is empathy, which is about putting yourself in the other person's shoes. Try to understand their perspectives, struggles, and priorities. This helps you create a connection with the other person. It fosters a collaborative environment instead of a hostile one. With mutual understanding, you can find a successful outcome.

Here are some useful negotiation skills to cultivate: 

• Active listening: Use your body language and restate the other person's words to build rapport. This skill helps you have a constructive dialogue and arrive at a win-win solution.
• Collaborative problem solving: Collaboration requires an open mind and willingness to explore new ideas. Discussing ideas and exploring alternatives together help you find an ideal solution. 
• Clear communication: Sharing your viewpoint clearly can help the other person understand you better. It clarifies your intentions and expectations and strengthens your persuasive power. 
• Willingness to compromise: Being ready to compromise helps preserve the relationship and achieve a more desirable outcome. Before negotiating, determine what's most important to you. Decide what you're willing to give up and what you're not willing to forgo. 

3. Resolving workplace conflict with better communication 

Clear and open communication improves transparency. It can reduce misunderstandings by ensuring everyone is on the same page. Effective communication helps resolve workplace conflicts and prevent future conflicts. 

Incorporate clear communication into the workplace culture. Regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and open-door policies help people better understand each other. These set clear expectations, improve employee engagement and reduce conflicts. When conflict arises, you can approach the conflicting parties to deal with it immediately. 

How do you answer workplace conflict questions in an interview?

When answering questions about handling workplace conflict in an interview, it's crucial to showcase your problem-solving skills and communication abilities. Here’s how you can effectively structure your responses.

1. Describing a past conflict

First, choose examples of workplace conflict that show your resolution skills and positive outcomes. When describing the past conflict, be tactful and avoid blaming the other party. Present the situation objectively and focus on the learning experience. To offer a structured response, you can use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result).

Interview question: "Explain a situation when you had a conflict at work and how you handled it."

Example answer: "When I was working on a project at my previous company, the meetings would always run long, leaving us with insufficient time for our daily tasks. A colleague was the main cause as he discussed many ideas and sometimes began discussing unrelated issues. I approached him and shared that he was very creative and had brilliant ideas. I added that I was having trouble completing my tasks due to the long meetings and asked him what he thought. 

“We discussed this issue together and decided to create a meeting agenda to stay focused. He would note down any unrelated ideas that came to mind during the meeting and either include them in the next meeting agenda or send them out as an email. I'm glad that I resolved this issue amicably." 

2. Explaining resolution methods

Show that you're a problem solver by highlighting your role in finding a solution to the conflict. Mention names of specific strategies to show your conflict resolution skills. Remember to showcase your communication skills. 

Interview question: "What is your conflict resolution style?"

Example answer: "I don't ignore the conflict. I like to address issues as soon as possible. I have a direct communication style, where I approach the other party and have an open and honest conversation with them. After listening to the other party, I think about which of the five conflict resolution strategies to use for that situation. I often collaborate with them to find a win-win solution."

Final thought

Workplace conflicts are inevitable, and it's best to avoid them. Understanding different conflict scenarios and effective strategies is essential.

Conflict resolution skills can help you maintain a positive and productive work environment. Keep learning about conflict resolution techniques to improve your professional growth and workplace environment. 

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about this topic: 

1. What are common examples of conflict at work?
   ⁠Some examples include differences in working styles, interpersonal conflicts, and disagreements between departments. There may also be conflicts due to cultural differences, especially in a multicultural country such as the Philippines. Disagreements and tensions may arise from differences in personal beliefs. 
2. How can I resolve conflicts with coworkers?
   ⁠First, refrain from discussing the issue with other colleagues who aren't involved. Speak to your colleague in person and stay calm and composed. Share your opinions directly and listen to their viewpoints without interrupting them. 
   ⁠Focus on things you both agree on, such as your eagerness to meet the project goals. Seek a solution that benefits both of you. If you can't find a solution, consider getting a third party to mediate the conflict. 
3. What are the best strategies for intergroup conflict resolution?
   ⁠Choose a neutral and private place for the meeting. Identify the problem and find out how it started. Discuss all the aspects of the conflict with the involved groups. Brainstorm solutions and weigh their pros and cons. Look for a solution that aligns with the team's goals and is fair and practical. 
4. Why is communication essential in handling workplace conflicts?
   ⁠Verbal and nonverbal communication are key as they can help you express your viewpoints in a nonthreatening, nonaggressive way. By using "I" statements rather than "you" statements, you can avoid sounding accusatory or confrontational. Effective communication can help overcome differences and restore relationships. 
5. What policies should companies have for conflict resolution?
   ⁠Companies can define acceptable and healthy workplace behaviors, such as being respectful and civil. This means employees should share their points about the disagreement politely. Policies should also detail the complaint procedures.