Is conflict always a bad thing, something to be avoided at all costs? Or can it help you?
Conflict will always arise, no matter where you work. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just depends on the type of conflict, and how you handle it.
Conflict often is the means to effect change: something isn't working, and you need to fix it. But there are times that conflict is NOT good - such as when people can not or will not work together. Sure, there are personality conflicts everywhere, but that doesn't mean you can't work together (but you may avoid those social gatherings!).
Don't let it interfere with your work responsibilities, or even your mental work health.
One of the best ways to handle conflict with co-workers is to talk to them. Ask them privately why they seem to be treating you in a conflict manner. If that doesn't work, you can escalate it up to the manager. This depends on your relationship with the manager, how open the manager is to conflict resolution., and how deeply the conflict is affecting the work situation. If it is a personal conflict, and the co-worker does not want to talk to you about it, then just take the high road and ignore that person as much as possible. Just ensure your work is completed on time and competently, and avoid the offending person.
Chronic conflict creators want control. When they don't have it (no conflict), they move on. Their conflicts do usually end up finally causing enough trouble to be noticed by management, but by then they have alienated any potential sympathy from others, and either end up fired or leaving.
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Copyright Sept. 28, 2007. Paym Bergson & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
