Disagreements are bound to happen at work. There isn’t really anything you can do about that. However, the way leaders handle these kinds of problematic situations can effect company morale, open lines of communication, and even improve productivity.
We asked three entrepreneurs how they handled the situation when there was a disagreement with a colleague. Check out their answers below and make sure you don’t drop the gloves during your next workplace disagreement.
Don’t Point Fingers
Never assign blame. Your goal is to seek a compromise, and if you immediately start attacking the other person, they’re going to be far less willing to listen to what you have to say. In all the arguments I’ve had, I always made an effort to both acknowledge my own faults and understand the other person’s perspective.
– Steve Buchwald of Buchwald & Associates
Actually Listen
Sometimes disagreements arise and two parties are on different pages, maybe even in different books — yet neither party knows it. Start by listening and try to get on the same page (or at least in the same chapter), and determine how to effectively communicate to achieve conflict resolution.
– Angela Delmedico of Elev8 Consultant Group
Mirror Their Stance
If things are escalating, quickly reposition yourself and put yourself in your ‘opponent’s’ shoes. Mirror back to them what you’re understanding of their perspective and ask a clarifying question. Once you reach an agreement that you are accurately understanding their position, you can speak to them about your stake in the issue.
– Arry Yu of Giftstarter