Conflict Management – Best Practices Online Tools & Templates

Conflict Management is identifying and being able to handle conflicts fairly, reasonably, and efficiently. Conflict is inevitable in any workplace; therefore, the aim is to limit negative aspects of conflict and enhance learning and group outcomes. When conflict is properly managed, group outcomes and effectiveness improve.

Conflict Management (unlike conflict resolution) includes the ability to benefit from conflict. There are five different styles of Conflict Management, and once these are understood, it is easier to achieve the fifth type, which is Collaboration. The five methods to understand one’s behavior include:

1. Avoidance: Occurs when a person ignores or withdraws entirely from a conflict. One will follow this method when they have discomfort about the conflict and don’t see any reward in resolving the conflict. Although while in this stage a person might withhold relevant ideas. Nothing can be resolved until the conflict is faced.
2. Competition: People may pair up with each other with the goal of winning. While in this method, a team will not cooperate with others and will assume that at the end only one will win. This method can cause frustration among co-workers and doesn’t allow room for diversity and hearing other ideas and thoughts. In a group setting, competition is not a good strategy for success.
3. Accommodation: Accommodating might seem like something that helps in a group setting, but at the same time those that are using this method might be holding back worthwhile ideas. Using this method will not resolve the conflict and at times will let the most assertive parties take control of most conversations and the process.
4. Compromise: Compromising sounds great, although at the end no one actually gets what they want. Every person/team will have to sacrifice something without actually stating what is really important to them. By collaborating together reaching one’s personal goal is possible.
5. Collaboration: This is a method used with people who are assertive and cooperative.

By collaborating to find a solution everyone needs to state what their needs are and together they will find what works for each person.

The process of Conflict Management gives insight into the five behavioral dimensions that people may experience while in conflict. By understanding these, an organization will have greater insight to apply when creating a supportive, successful environment.

Conflict Management is a process. Documents and Presentation software can help provide consistency in approaches.

Unlike most traditional Conflict Management processes, upBOARD’s online Conflict Management tools allow any team or organization to instantly begin working with our web templates and input forms. Our digital platform goes far beyond other software tools by including progress dashboards, data integration from existing documents or other SaaS software, elegant intuitive designs, and full access on any desktop or mobile device.

Learn more about upBOARD’s portfolio of other human resources best practice tools and templates including: Career Planning, Change Management, Executive Coaching, Communication Management, Competency-Based Interviewing, Critical Incidents, Delphi Method, Employee Engagement Surveys, Job Analysis, Job Description, Mentoring, Performance Management, RACI, Resource Breakdown Structures (RBS), Retirement Index, Stakeholder Analysis, Workday Task Analysis

Learn more about upBOARD’s full portfolio of online digital best practice tools and templates for specific topics including business strategy, marketing, operations, innovation, project management, change management, and software development.