Conflict Resolution Strategies In The Workplace

Choosing between conflict resolution strategies in the workplace becomes much simpler once you weigh two things. How much the outcome matters, and how much the ongoing relationship matters.

Outcome high, relationship low. A one-off supplier dispute over a safety standard. Compete.

Outcome low, relationship high. A preference about how a recurring meeting runs. Accommodate.

Both high. Two team members who must keep working together on something that matters. Collaborate, and accept it takes time.

Both low. Let it go, and mean it rather than storing it up.

Both moderate, time short. Compromise.

The common workplace error is treating every disagreement as both-high, which exhausts managers and teaches teams that every small difference turns into a process. Naming the quadrant out loud at the start saves a great deal of time.

Safe Work Australia covers workplace conflict as a psychosocial hazard. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s conflict resolution course and workplace compliance courses.