Successful Tips for Handling Conflict

As young adults and up-and-coming professionals, we have all been in situations, whether at work, during an internship or throughout a group project for class, that have created tension and conflict amongst your fellow colleagues and peers. Conflict is many times inevitable, however people can learn to be more effective when successfully handling it. In an article from Boston.com, Susan Lankton-Rivas offers 8 tips for overcoming conflict in the workplace. Here are a few:

• Approach conflict with an open mind. Do not attempt to prove that someone is "right" and someone is "wrong," but instead understand that people have different perceptions and point-of-views. Both parties should try to look at the situation from the other person's perspective and reach a mutual understanding of the situation.
• Listen carefully. Rather than jump to conclusions, be an attentive listener and before responding be sure that you clearly understand everything that has just been said.
• Be conscious of your language choices. Use "I" statements to express how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. Avoid putting any of the blame on the other person through the use of your word choices.
• Always be respectful of differences. You will always work with diverse personalities and people who are not always going to share the same point-of-view. Be mindful that with different religions, cultures and lifestyles working in one place, certain behaviors and actions can be viewed differently from their original intention.
  

Be sure to read the rest of the great tips featured in the article here!

What pieces of advice have you found most helpful when handling conflict in the workplace? Let us know!