We must banish the idea that all labor conflicts are negative and destructive, and begin to think that productive conflicts generate value. Why? Because collaborating or working as a team becomes unnecessary if everyone agrees on everything. For example, let's look at the Apple example. Its founders, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, were incompatible in style and personality, but their ability to combine their strengths (since Jobs is said to be the visionary salesperson and Wozniak the genius inventor) was what made Apple a technology giant.
But of course, not all conflicts are productive. Sometimes the participants do not want to solve the problem, but what they really want is to emerge victorious from the situation at all costs. "Get away with it" or "be above others." Although nothing has been resolved and although this does not add value to the company or the team, and we are aware of it.
What can we do to resolve a labor dispute?
Have you ever listened talk about nonviolent communication by M. Rosenberg? It is a communication model that emphasizes the following points, which are very important if we want to solve a problem with someone:
- Separate observation of facts with evaluation. What does this mean? That we tend to think in terms of each other's moralistic judgments: good, bad, selfish, generous, right and wrong. We foster a defensive stance of resistance in others when we judge them. Here comes an example. Saying "Mary, I have not received confirmation of the meeting" is not the same as saying "Mary, you have not done your job." Nor is it the same to say "Ronaldo in this game has not scored a goal" to "Ronaldo is a bad player." Why don't we take it the same?
- To resolve a conflict, the second essential part is express how we feel. How little we talk about our feelings sometimes!, right? Speaking from emotions helps us connect with the other, helps us build bridges. This does not mean expressing our thoughts (for example, “I'm sorry I wasn't treated fairly”). But express emotions. For example, "I feel frustrated when you ask me for something that is not in my power to solve and I don't know how to help you."
- And finally, we have to express the need, what we want once the emotion is expressed. Many times we are left with the complaint: "It is that you have not cleaned your room", "It is that you treat me fatal" ... but we do not express what we want and need from now on. At this time, it is important to avoid speaking vaguely and abstractly. It must be clear to the person what we want from now on and that this has been understood.
Research so far has shown that we can perceive our jobs to be more satisfying when we have positive relationships with the people we work with. Therefore, it is in our interest to invest in creating positive working relationships.
If you want more information on how to resolve a conflict between colleagues in the workplace Do not hesitate to contact us.