7 Ways to Resolve Conflict in Professional Workplaces

Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Conflict in Workplaces

To address the challenge of resolving consistent conflict among employees, Style My Soul sought advice from the professional community. Their tips range from implementing mindfulness and emotional intelligence workshops to setting clear expectations and roles.

Implement Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence Workshops
​In my experience, consistent conflict among employees often comes from unaddressed emotional triggers or misunderstandings. One tip I’ve found effective is to organize workshops around mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Participants learn and practice reflective exercises, which help in truly understanding their colleagues’ perspectives. It also encourages them to practice self-awareness, recognizing their own emotional responses and the impact they have on others.
Over time, this approach both reduces friction and also fosters a more empathetic and collaborative environment.
- Bayu Prihandito, Certified Psychology Expert, Life Coach, and Founder, Life Architekture

Foster Open and Empathetic Communication
One effective tip for resolving consistent conflict among employees is to encourage open and empathetic communication. Create a safe space where employees can voice their concerns, listen actively to each other, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. Providing conflict-resolution training and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration can help prevent and address conflicts proactively in a professional working environment. I hope this helps.
- Karl Rowntree, Co-Founder, RotoSpa

Promote the Sharing of Personal Narratives
​I have observed that the root of many conflicts in professional settings lies in viewing colleagues merely by their job titles or roles. By promoting spaces where employees can openly share their personal journeys, like monthly “Story Sessions” or “Get to Know” team events, these barriers dissolve. For instance, at a previous organization, we introduced a “Life Story Lunch” series. This initiative allowed employees to share significant life events or hobbies. As a result, teams appreciated the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their colleagues. This recognition‌ led to greater understanding and collaboration, reducing the potential for misunderstandings and conflict. - Eren Akbiyik, CEO and AI Expert, Showzone

Lead by Example in Conflict Resolution
In a difficult work environment, I discovered that leading by example is critical for dispute resolution. As a manager, I demonstrated patience, active listening, and empathy when addressing conflicts within my team. One notable instance involved two team members getting into a heated dispute. Instead of jumping in, I sat back and listened to both sides, enabling them to air their frustrations. This approach fostered a more respectful dialogue, and the parties eventually reached an agreement. I encouraged my team to handle disagreements more successfully by modeling conflict-resolution behavior.
- Tiffany Hafler, Marketing Manager, FORTIS Medical Billing

​Establish a Culture Valuing Diversity and Collaboration
Establish a positive workplace culture that values diversity and collaboration. A company that values the unique qualities of its employees is grounded in mutual respect. By motivating employees to listen well, communicate considerately, and understand various perspectives and opinions, businesses set up a solid understanding that helps resolve and prevent conflicts. Similarly, emphasizing teamwork aids in handling differences. Promoting cooperative efforts, guidance, and assistance clarifies that workers should collaborate to address problems. In my experience, prioritizing understanding and collaboration has consistently led to more harmonious work environments. This approach not only addresses conflicts directly but also strengthens the team’s bond, making future disagreements less contentious.
- Danilo Miranda, Managing Director, Presenteverso

Encourage Open Dialogue and Equal Space
​Pay close attention, and allow everyone to speak their mind. After bringing the two sides together in a private setting, let each share their feelings and thoughts about the problem. Give both sides equal time to talk, without showing bias. Maintain a positive and firm attitude during the discussion. If needed, establish some basic rules. This method will push both groups to speak freely and understand the root of the disagreement, helping to find solutions. By using this approach, I’ve found that employees feel respected and valued because they’re given a fair chance to voice their concerns. This approach has often led to quicker resolutions and a more harmonious work environment, in my experience. - Tim Sutton, Director, Coffee Geek

Set Clear Expectations and Roles
As a communication coordinator, I frequently witnessed disputes stemming from misunderstandings about roles and objectives. To mitigate this, I emphasized the need to create clear standards and identify responsibilities within the team. During a project kickoff meeting, for example, I made certain that each team member understood their roles and the general project objectives. This clarity minimized misunderstandings and disputes because everyone understood their roles.
- Cindi Keller, Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm