People differ in their ability to handle stress: some are very resilient, while others are more prone to pressure. Especially in the workplace, conflicts and disputes can pose a significant challenge. Not everyone knows how to behave correctly in heated moments or how to best resolve the situation after an argument. This can lead to persistent stress and discomfort, which in turn can negatively affect the work atmosphere and productivity. In this regard, it is crucial to develop effective strategies to cope with such situations. In this article, we mention five universal tips that are aimed at helping you better handle conflicts in the workplace. These pieces of advice are designed to promote personal resilience as well as maintain a healthy and constructive work environment. With these strategies, you can learn to react constructively and contribute to a positive resolution.

Truth is born in conflict

Conflicts in the workplace are often unavoidable, but how they are handled can be crucial in determining whether they lead to constructive solutions or lingering tensions. The German saying "Truth is born in conflict" illustrates that conflicts can often lead to deeper insights and understandings. It is important to view conflicts as an opportunity for improvement and clarification, provided both parties behave reasonably and goal-oriented.

If you can communicate constructively with a person with whom you have disagreements and follow certain behavioral rules, many misunderstandings can be effectively resolved.

However, if it turns out that the other party is not interested in a productive solution and behaves uncooperatively or inappropriately, it can be difficult to improve the situation on your own. In such cases, it is advisable to report the issue to higher authorities, such as the supervisor or the HR department.

1. Do not raise your voice

Try to remain calm during a conflict to keep the situation under control and prevent escalation. Speaking quietly and clearly shows respect to all parties involved and helps you be perceived as more rational and thoughtful. This can help calm the emotions of the other party and create an atmosphere where constructive discussion is possible. Speaking calmly promotes a willingness to listen and collaborate, rather than provoking resistance and defensiveness.

2. Never go personal

Try to avoid personal comments or attacks in heated discussions, as these can cause long-term damage and impair the working relationship. By sticking strictly to the facts and avoiding personal remarks, you ensure that the conflict remains objective and solution-oriented. This underscores professionalism and promotes respect and understanding on both sides. Personal attacks can push the other person into a defensive mode and decrease the chances of reaching an agreement.

3. Do not engage in provocations

Try to recognize provocative remarks in conflicts and avoid reacting to them. Instead of being emotionally challenged, take a deep breath, remain calm, and focus on resolving the actual problem. Doing this shows that you are not easily manipulated and remain focused on a factual level, often leading the provocateur to rethink their tactics.

4. Use the Aikido method of 'Connect and Redirect'

First, make your counterpart feel that you understand and share their opinion. This creates a basis of trust and reduces resistance. As the conversation progresses, engage in a gentle discussion where you gradually begin to present your own views. The goal is to influence your conversation partner's opinion so that they gradually begin to adopt your standpoint. Ideally, this process is managed in a way that your counterpart eventually believes that the new perspective is actually their own. This technique promotes a harmonious problem-solving process and minimizes conflicts by strengthening the sense of agreement and mutual understanding.

5. Praise before criticism

First acknowledge the positive aspects of the other person's behavior or performance before criticizing. This helps to open the other person up for the conversation and makes them less defensive. By recognizing what is going well, you show appreciation and respect, which makes a more positive reaction to subsequent criticism more likely. This approach can help ensure that the criticism is perceived more as constructive feedback and not as a personal attack.

Summary and Outlook

It is human to make mistakes, and it is important to understand that one should not judge everyone by one's own standards. If you allow yourself the possibility that you could also be wrong, you will be less inclined to judge others hastily. This attitude promotes empathy and understanding within the team.

Remember, even if your colleagues are not your family, they are the people with whom you spend a large part of your time. It is worth maintaining these relationships and carefully managing conflicts. In stressful or conflict situations, it is advantageous to maintain the calmness of a boa constrictor and the wisdom of a philosopher.

We wish you the best for your future challenges and hope that you can use these tips to create a more positive and productive work environment. Stay calm and thoughtful, even in the toughest times.