Informal Conflict Resolution Strategies in the Workplace in Cameroon
Every workplace has some experience in conflict though in different degrees of intensity. Some conflicts which are interpersonal in nature can be managed to support team building and individual growth whilst other conflicts can be of such a degree to need mediation or legal proceedings to arrive at a solution.
Utilizing informal conflict resolution strategies can help keep conflict from having public or even legal ramifications and keep the issues in-house to be effectively addressed.
Informal Conflict Resolution Strategies
It won’t always be easy to identify if the dispute or conflict between co-workers will be manageable in-house or if it will require some degree of escalation.
Using some of these informal conflict resolution strategies can not only help you stay ahead of the disagreement and offer a collaborative path to a solution, but it will also help you recognize if a more official proceeding will be needed in the long run.
- Establish Ground Rules and Expectations
One of the more common informal conflict resolution strategies is to start with some containment which includes expectations and rules. If you’re dealing with conflict resolution at work, you’ll want to manage the delicate balance of allowing all involved parties to feel autonomous and empowered to express themselves effectively while also remaining respectful of each other’s position and the process. The use of “I” statements are recommended for communicating feelings and needs in order to keep the conversation respectful.
- Facilitate Effective Communication
If you’re responsible for having to decide how to solve conflicts at work, know that your task is not a small one at all. In order for a solution to be reached, everyone first needs to have a turn expressing the problem from their side of perception and understanding. Unheard and invalidated employees are less likely to move on toward the solution phase and will struggle to find compromise or collaborate to a solution. Collaborative engagement means everyone needs to be able to express their side of things while being reminded to stay respectful of each other and the workplace.
- Support Collaboration
Allowing each party to contribute to the brainstorming is fundamental when discussing possible solutions. The final solution shouldn’t be something decided by management that is handed down as another rule or assignment from the boss. When conflict between employees erupts, those involved should feel some sense of ownership over the solution which will help them remain incentivized to do their part.
- Remember Compromise
It may be helpful to remind everyone involved that in order for a solution to be reached, everyone will need to give up something. This also means that everyone will be able to gain something. So, it may help to remind involved parties that they will have to prioritize what they’re hoping for so that a collaborative resolution to this conflict can be achieved.
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