Conflict at work can arise with other interns, colleagues or even your boss. It can be hard to stay professional in these situations, but it is important to remain calm and try to resolve the problem. Remember that you are in a place of work, and you will get a bad reputation if you're constantly arguing with colleagues. However, it is healthy to have a bit of discussion, and you'll learn a lot by hearing conflicting viewpoints.
Explore these conflict resolution solutions for workplaces and become an expert in mediation.
Conflict resolution advice for work.
1. Avoid it if you can.
If there is a way to avoid conflict with co-workers, then opt for that. This doesn’t mean that you can't express your point of view, but don’t persist if you know it will end up in an argument. As an intern, I think it’s important to get on well with your colleagues, since you can learn a lot from them and they will most likely have more experience in the field than you. Of course, if you feel undermined or ignored by your boss or workmates, speak up and let them know, but don't cause arguments unnecessarily.
2. Understand their point of view.
The most important thing to do when in an argument is to stay calm. It’s important to be passionate about your point of view, but there is a fine line between passion and aggression. As an intern, your colleagues won't know you very well yet, and could potentially misinterpret your dedication. If someone disagrees with your idea or strategy, then try to understand their point of view before arguing against them. It's important to understand both sides of the argument, as this will help you form a well-rounded opinion on the matter. If your colleague or fellow intern is the one initiating the conflict, then make sure they see that you're trying to understand their point of view. If you're not clear about this, they may think you are disregarding them, and this will just create a bigger conflict. Don’t lose your temper as this will make you look juvenile and unprofessional.
3. Don’t make it personal.
The conflict is happening in the workplace and is about work, so don’t drag in personal issues. You need to stay professional and keep the discussion strictly about work when looking at conflict management. It's irrelevant (and rude!) to start attacking the person, and this will just add to the argument. If personalities or work ethics clash, then defend yourself without attacking them. Discussion in the workplace is healthy, and oftentimes can stimulate new ideas and a fresh way of thinking, but you don’t want to fall out with your colleagues over a personality clash.
4. Find a solution.
Finding a solution to the problem is the best way to resolve conflict at the workplace. Teamwork often requires compromise, so be the bigger person and try to resolve the argument. Try to look at the conflict from the outside, and propose an idea that includes elements of both sides. Make it clear you want to agree on something, and ask your colleague to work with you rather than against you. You should also stress you need to find the strategy that will be best for the company and channel both your ideas towards that end goal. If you are too invested to find a solution, then take the situation to another colleague and get them to help you. Whatever the outcome, you will be demonstrating initiative and maturity by striving to find a solution.
5. Learn for next time.
As with everything, you can learn from this experience. If the conflict arose because of a lack of communication, then make sure you know this for next time. It is a good way to learn more about your colleagues and how they work, so keep this in mind for future teamwork activities. This will give you a better idea about how to approach them and work with them, which will make it easier to do group work in the future. It's important to have closure and ensure that everyone is on the same page, so always clear the air after an argument. Suggest going for drinks or bring them a coffee as a way of starting afresh. Your colleague will appreciate the gesture and will in turn be more cooperative next time.
Above all remember that no conflict is worth falling out with your colleagues, and if you feel someone is being unfair, then bring the issue to your boss or even The Intern Group program coordinator.
Remember these conflict resolution tips next time you want to resolve a workplace conflict and you'll soon be an expert at dealing with arguments.
