Interpersonal conflicts are a reality of life, both in and out of the workplace. When disputes erupt, conflict management can help resolve disputes and restore workplace harmony. For businesses, the ability to manage conflicts quickly and effectively helps foster a positive workplace culture while driving productivity and profitability.
Students who enroll in Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational & Strategic Communication program learn about conflict management from the same esteemed faculty members who teach on campus. Southeastern’s comprehensive curriculum includes a course dedicated to conflict management, providing students with the tools and skills to manage conflict effectively in the workplace.
The Importance of Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Disagreements are part of human nature. Speaking up during a meeting to voice a legitimate complaint or concern is an example of acceptable and effective communication, even if it appears confrontational on the surface. However, when conflicts become emotional or when disputes become personal, they can breed resentment and distrust among colleagues or between managers and workers.
Successful conflict resolution leaves both parties feeling their voices and opinions are heard and valued. Individuals adept at managing conflict use advanced communication skills to listen patiently and empathetically to both sides while trying to develop outcomes that are favorable for all parties as well as the organization.
Mending relationships can take time, but the results of effective conflict management techniques are long-lasting and improve trust and collaboration in the workplace. Here are a few examples of steps that can prevent or defuse conflict:
- Formalize agreements so there can be no misunderstandings later about roles and expectations
- Use a trained mediator to manage conflicts once they arise
- Make sure both parties are treated equally throughout the mediation process
- Listen actively and empathetically to grievances
- Address conflict-provoking behavior swiftly and decisively in the workplace
- Explain what reasonable dialogue consists of and ensure leaders model those examples
- Set expectations for workplace behavior
- Provide a policy for voicing grievances
How Can Communications Professionals Improve Their Conflict Management Skills?
Effective conflict management requires a wide range of skills, and communication skills are the most critical. To develop these skills, conflict management specialists can pursue specialized education and training that focuses on workplace communication and conflict resolution, such as Southeastern’s online B.A. in Organizational and Strategic Communication.
In addition to using effective conflict management techniques, resolving conflicts successfully requires a breadth of interpersonal and leadership-oriented soft skills. Skilled conflict managers exhibit:
- Emotional intelligence: Individuals who exhibit emotional intelligence possess self-awareness and can gauge and understand the feelings of others.
- Empathy: Empathy allows conflict managers to understand the point of view of others beyond a superficial level. Empathetic individuals demonstrate and engender compassion and trust in the workplace.
- Problem-solving skills: Problem-solving involves creativity, collaboration, goal setting, decision-making and other leadership traits, all of which support conflict resolution.
- Management skills: Leadership skills are useful when solving conflicts. Established leaders who have the trust of both parties in a disagreement are more likely to succeed in managing conflicts that arise.
Learn About Workplace Conflict Management With Southeastern’s Online B.A. in Communication
Students explore the dynamics of professional communication in Southeastern’s organizational and strategic communication bachelor’s program. The 100% online degree program covers conflict management, leadership, negotiation and other critical communication skills.
Southeastern’s program also explores areas such as group discussion, communication training and development, and intercultural communication. These courses equip students with the skills needed to resolve conflicts in dynamic environments and help colleagues learn how to better communicate and work as part of a high-functioning team. Giving team members tools for effectively communicating and resolving conflicts empowers them to co-create a supportive culture of trust and respect, engendering the kind of workplace that drives organizational success.
Learn more about the online Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational & Strategic Communication program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.