Conflict is natural and occurs in both personal and professional relationships. The key to dealing with conflict is to face it head on and avoid fear in order to learn how to healthily resolve the issue and satisfy all parties involved. Below you will find a variety of tips you can use to manage and resolve a conflict you may be facing.
- Analyze the conflict. Try to clarify the specific problem by asking the following questions:
- What triggered the conflict?
- Who are you angry with?
- What do you want that you are not getting?
- Is your frustration accurate or over exaggerated?
- How can your conflict be resolved?
- Communicate. Open communication is key in conflict resolution. Express how you feel about the situation and stick to the facts. This will let the other person know you are genuine in your actions. Focusing on the problem at hand and not what the other person did will avoid prolonging your conflict unnecessarily.
- Actively listen. Listen to what the other person has to say, without interrupting. Try to be objective. Then, ask open-ended questions to make sure each side understands what the other person thinks and how they feel.
- Review options. Talk over the options and look for solutions that benefit everyone. Do not feel pressured to come up with one answer immediately. Consider bringing in an objective third party for ideas.
- End with a win-win Solution. The goal is to agree on an option that benefits both sides to some extent.
Your Employee Assistance Program Can Help
If you are experiencing a personal or professional conflict that is hard to resolve, your Component Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you locate a counselor, mediation services, or helpful resources to find a resolution. The EAP is a voluntary and confidential employee benefit available to you and your eligible household members at no cost. For more information, contact your Component EAP, or send an email to worklife@hq.dhs.gov.