How do you handle conflicts at work?

In a normal working environment, there is that time when you will disagree with your colleagues over an issue. This issue can be work-related or it can even be personal.

It is not uncommon to have a misunderstanding with someone at work; however the issue is how you resolve that grudge.
According to Joviah Nyakwera a teacher at Kibiito Secondary School, conflicts at work affect good working relations which in the long run affect the quality of work. “When you do not have a good working relationship with your workmates, there is a possibility that your level of concentration will be low and this will affect your input at work,” she says.

Nyakwere says professionals should always make peace while at work which she says will leave no room for conflicts.
However, she says in case a person finds themselves in a conflict while at work they should look for ways to resolve them and below are some of the ways;

Acknowledging the conflict
According to Lucy Asiimwe, a human resource manager at Ministry of Public Service, it is important for whoever is involved in the conflict to acknowledge that they are actually in a conflict.

She says if someone chooses to turn a blind eye to the misunderstanding and act like nothing is wrong, the conflict might go on forever. “Do not pretend that nothing is wrong, it is important that you admit that there is a problem that needs resolution. Acknowledge the conflict and the roles you and the other person has played in creating or sustaining the problem. Remember to be honest with yourself about your own role in the situation,” she says.
She says after acknowledging the problem it is imperative to think about the factors that are influencing the problem, such that you find possible ways of resolving it.
“As you acknowledge the problem do not only look at your side of the story but the other side as well, this will help you understand the problem from both perspectives,” she adds.

Talking to the person
According to Margaret Tumusiime a relationship counsellor with Girl Talk Uganda, it is important for conflicting parties to meet and talk over the problem. She says a meeting gives both parties an opportunity to express their sides of the story which gives them the opportunity to understand each other and reach an agreement.
“Instead of telling the story to your other workmates who are not part of the conflict, it is better if you faced the real person that you are conflicting with and you get a way forward,” she advises. Identifying points of agreement and disagreement Tumusiime says workmates always get disagreements with their colleagues over work related issues and other small issues that can be rectified if they sat on a round table and highlighted the issues.
“Sit together and highlight all your agreements and disagreements, based on the agreements to forge a way forward on the issues that you disagree on,” she says. Apologising for your wrongdoing

According to Nyakwera, a majority of people don’t like apologising to their peers for any wrongs they have done.
She says people always think that apologising shows guilt or may be weakness on the part of the person who chooses to apologise which is a misconception. “When you apologise, it does not necessarily mean that you were in the wrong all through, it means admitting the fact that you offended someone else in one way or the other. Usually everyone involved has done something to create and sustain the conflict. Own up to how you contributed to the dispute and express regret and responsibility. This does not mean that you are accepting the entire blame, you are just taking responsibility for your contribution to the situation,” she says.

Do not expand the issue
According to Asiimwe, with increased use of social media, people have adopted a tendency of taking personal grudges to social media. She says this habit in most cases blows the conflict instead of solving it. “If you have an issue with your workmate, then why take it to social media? Social media does not solve conflicts, in most cases all you will get are negative comments which might worsen the situation,” she says.