Managing Conflicts at Work: Which Methods to Choose?

Conflicts & TensionsTeamwork & CooperationAll employees≈ 15 min

Key skill: Conflict management & resolution

Summary

Choose the right method for handling conflict at work: rather than avoidance, power, or rights, favor a participative approach grounded in everyone's interests, for more lasting win-win solutions.

Target audience

Anyone who needs to manage conflict

Learning objectives

Avoid feeding a conflict by adopting a participative approach rather than an autocratic one
Prioritize everyone's interests over avoidance, power, or rights to resolve conflict for good
Step back to let tempers cool and let options emerge
Use active listening, perspective on your own beliefs, and emotional intelligence

Module outline

ArticlesThe barriers to a win-win solution
Expert videoThe different approaches to conflict management: autocratic vs. participative decision-making, third-party intervention, and methods based on avoidance, power, rules, or mutual interests
AnchoringA quiz and true/false questions to deepen the topic and anchor what you've learned
Memo cardA downloadable coaching memo card: the key takeaways from the expert video
CommitmentConcrete examples to help you define your own commitment

Models & methods

Autocratic or participative decision-making; involving a third party (arbitrator/mediator); four approaches: avoidance, power, rights, interests.

Research-based

Four conflict-management approaches inspired by Jean Poitras, professor at HEC Montréal and a conflict-management specialist.