Improving workplace issues

Solution Preview

1) Teaching employees how to appropriately talk with each other.
2) The ability to manage conflicting goals and methods within a limited resource environment.
3) An investment in educating employees in effective communication and conflict resolution skills is a gift that keeps on giving.
4) Addressing the specific problem that is the subject of the conflict.

Common Sources of Conflict

1. Unclear definition of responsibility ? there will be numerous occasions for conflict to arise over decisions made or actions taken in disputed territory.

2. Limited resources ? time, money, space, materials, supplies, and equipment are all valuable resources. Competition for any of these resources will inevitably lead to interpersonal and interdepartmental conflict.

3. Conflict of interest ? individuals may fight for their personal goals and lose sight of organizational goals. Each individual needs to know how his or her personal goals and efforts fit within the organizational goals and efforts.

It is all about conflict, a normal and natural part of our workplace and personal lives. Conflict can be helpful in making necessary changes within the home or work environment. However, unresolved conflict can result in feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness, hopelessness, depression, and other emotions. It can result in behaviors such as physical or emotional withdrawal, resignation from jobs, dissolution of personal relations, aggression, and even violence.

Communication is both the cause of and the remedy for conflict. Understanding how to effectively communicate, and how to satisfactorily resolve disputes, can lead to a happier, more productive life. Communication and conflict resolution skills must be learned. Most often, poor communication and conflict resolution styles must be corrected and replaced with approaches that are more conducive to creating peace in the workplace and at home.

The workplace setting is fertile breeding ground for conflicts because of the dynamics and ...