On Trend Magazine readers are invited to
submit their career related questions to
Dr. Ron Shapiro to be addressed in
subsequent issues of the magazine.
Readers asked “How to avoid conflict with
your boss?” and “How to avoid conflict
with your coworkers?”
How To Avoid Conflict
In a well-run business, management and
employees value varying points of view.
Indeed, critical business decisions are
inevitably better when multiple points of view
are solicited and considered in making key
decisions. However, not all businesses are
well run and employee input is not necessarily
welcomed. Similarly, when employees share
feedback with one another all may become
more productive and happier. On the other
hand, not everyone welcomes feedback. So,
what can an individual employee do to
minimize conflict?
of view and the alternative point of view
equally well, decide if your thinking has
changed. Changing your mind after gathering
additional information is a sign of strength, not
a sign of weakness. If you have not adopted
the alternative point of view, is there a middle
ground that incorporates the strengths and
minimizes the weakness of both points of
view? Can you suggest it?
If you are still convinced your point of view is
the best one, is it possible that the other
individuals simply do not understand your
point of view? Maybe a clarification would
When a colleague or manager presents a point help. Try to clarify once, maybe twice, but not
of view you do not necessarily agree with, be
endlessly. Also, keep in mind that if you are
sure that you thoroughly understand it. One
the person presenting your point of view, the
criteria for understand a differing point of view other person has not had as much time to think
is to be able to present it as well as (if not
about the issue as you have. Perhaps offer to
better than) your point of view. Engage in
continue the discussion later so that everyone
active listening by asking questions to
involved has time to process all the
facilitate your understanding. If the person
information.
who you are speaking with is emotional or
intense, oftentimes asking clarifying questions
can help to calm the person – this will help you
both get your points across effectively.
Once you can iterate both your original point