Addressing Office conflict as a trainee

Conflicts are nobody’s favorite, but they are inevitable when it comes to work-life. Sooner or later, you'll find yourself in one, no matter how good you are. It is because everyone has a particular way to work and get things done.

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Try not to take it personally because everyone thinks and communicates differently. It has more to do with them and the work they want you to do, rather than you.

Here are some tips to help you get along just fine:

Try to be considerate

You don't have to be friends with someone to treat them civilly. Try to understand your colleague's point of view, if you disagree with it. Experts suggest that asking open-ended questions help you understand perspectives. Thus, if you see a conflict coming your way, neutralize it by turning it into a productive discussion rather than a debate. Don't let personal issues become a hurdle for you.

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Understand your role

Not your role in the organization but your role in the conflict. Acknowledge that you can make mistakes, irrespective of your designation, and take responsibility for your actions. When you show personal responsibility, you exhibit respect for the other person. When you show respect to someone, they tend to listen to what you say.

Hence understanding your role means you have found a way to resolve the conflict.

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Set aside your ego

Even if you’re not at fault completely or as much as the other person, try not to be accusatory. If you think it’s not your fault alone, approach the person for a private one-on-one conversation. Reason with the person calmly and politely. Ask him if he thinks something's wrong. It's always better to let the other person address their issues first. Moreover, don't get personal or impulsive.

Whenever a conflict arises, every party thinks they are not at fault, and the other one did them wrong. You need to put that "I am always right" glass aside and see things clearly.

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Involve your manager/boss

If a private conversation doesn’t steer the tension away, it’s best to involve your boss before things get nastier. Your boss can be your job-in-charge or your department manager. Initially, show that you want to put aside the differences and ready to work alongside your colleague. Managers are impartial people who wish for their employees to get along to avoid disruptions in work. Therefore, they'll probably sort things out.

However, if things remain messy, suggest your boss to change your group or team. It doesn't matter if it's possible to switch your place, but it won't do any harm to ask.

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Approach HR

If you feel that things have started going beyond professional boundaries, whether it’s in terms of safety or insults, cash your right to involve the HR. Approaching the HR in such matters not only exhibits your maturity in conflict resolution but also gives you a plus point. HR professionals are experts in conflict resolution and will help you sort things out.

But remember, if you sense office politics, do not hesitate to inform your superiors.

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Resolving your office conflicts in an organized way not only improve your work environment but also reduces stress level. If one day, you find yourself tangled in a conflict, we are sure these tips will help you get through it professionally.