You're working with a team in Business Operations. How can you handle conflicts effectively?

1 Identify the source

The first step to handle conflicts is to identify the source and the nature of the conflict. Is it a task-related conflict, where team members disagree on how to perform a certain operation, or a relationship conflict, where team members have personal or emotional issues with each other? Task-related conflicts can be beneficial if they are resolved through rational discussion and evidence-based decision making. Relationship conflicts can be detrimental if they are left unresolved and affect the team's morale and performance. Therefore, you need to understand the root cause of the conflict and address it accordingly.

2 Communicate respectfully

The second step to handle conflicts is to communicate respectfully and openly with your team members. Communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings, clarify expectations, and share feedback. However, communication can also escalate conflicts if it is done in a hostile, defensive, or aggressive manner. To communicate respectfully, you need to listen actively, empathize with others, use neutral language, and avoid personal attacks or blame. You also need to express your own perspective, needs, and interests clearly and assertively, without imposing or dominating others.

3 Seek common ground

The third step to handle conflicts is to seek common ground and find a mutually acceptable solution. To do this, you need to focus on the team's goals and values, rather than on your own preferences or positions. You need to recognize the strengths and contributions of each team member, and appreciate the diversity and differences that enrich the team. You need to collaborate and cooperate with your team members, rather than compete or compromise with them. You need to brainstorm and evaluate various options, and select the one that best meets the team's criteria and standards.

4 Implement and follow up

The fourth step to handle conflicts is to implement and follow up on the agreed solution. To do this, you need to document and communicate the solution to all team members, and assign roles and responsibilities for its execution. You need to monitor and measure the progress and outcomes of the solution, and provide feedback and support to your team members. You need to celebrate and acknowledge the team's achievements, and learn from the experience. You also need to review and revise the solution if needed, and address any new or recurring conflicts promptly.

5 Seek external help

The fifth step to handle conflicts is to seek external help if the conflict is too complex, intense, or persistent to be resolved by the team alone. You may need to consult or involve a third party, such as a manager, a mediator, a coach, or a mentor, who can provide guidance, facilitation, or arbitration. External help can help you gain a different perspective, identify underlying issues, explore alternative solutions, and reach a fair and impartial resolution. However, you should only seek external help as a last resort, and not as a way to avoid or escalate the conflict.

6 Develop conflict skills

The sixth and final step to handle conflicts is to develop your conflict skills and competencies. Conflict skills are the abilities and behaviors that enable you to deal with conflicts effectively and constructively. Some of the conflict skills that you can develop are: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, collaboration, and resilience. You can develop your conflict skills by taking courses, reading books, watching videos, practicing exercises, seeking feedback, and reflecting on your experiences. Developing your conflict skills can help you improve your performance, relationships, and satisfaction in your Business Operations team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?