In the workplace, however, you may not notice people problems right away, and when you do, it is tempting to think things will get better on their own. In reality, that rarely happens. Tools such as behavioral analysis can be used to help resolve conflict. But first…

What is conflict?

Conflict is a natural part of the human condition and occurs in any environment where people spend an extended amount of time together. It arises as a result of unmet needs and expectations, when one person's desires, wishes, and feelings do not match another's.

Conflict can also develop from poor communication skills, a lack of self-awareness, and when boundaries are crossed. Most people deal with conflict through avoidance or other coping mechanisms. Commonly, we tend to avoid the person and the topic, engage in gossip, or behave in a passive-aggressive or even outright aggressive manner. These are not effective strategies; they illicit defensiveness and are not likely to solve any issues.

What is the best way to deal with conflict?

Effective conflict resolution requires an honest view of the situation. The best way to deal with issues is through non-aggressive conflict resolution, which requires:

Understanding the underlying matter is the first step in successfully moving toward conflict resolution. For instance, a coworker may avoid doing a certain task or responsibility, leaving you to pick up the pieces, thus causing tension.