PLEASE LOG IN TO THE SECURE AREA.

Incorrect username or password entered
LOG IN
Forgot the password?

Don't have access yet? Get it here.

Scholarly article

Dealing Well with Conflicts – for Employees

What is conflict?

Conflicts are unpleasant, but they are part of everyday work and private life. Not only do different people come together in the workplace, but also different expectations, attitudes and behaviours. This can create friction or lead to conflict. But not every disagreement is a conflict.

A conflict is when one experiences incompatibilities in thinking, feelings or intentions with other people. And these incompatibilities restrict one’s own actions. This can be the case, for example, if you have the feeling that your superior distributes work assignments unfairly. Or if a team member keeps disregarding others and the other staff members can no longer get a word in edgewise. Such situations can lead to an outcome where people can no longer perform assignments satisfactorily.

What you can do in the event of a conflict:

Try to identify the cause/source of the conflict.

Is it a matter of interpersonal discord? Is the cause to be found in different views or values? Are there misunderstandings? Address the cause of the conflict.

Distinguish between the objective and relational level.

The objective level is limited to facts («My workload is twice that of the other employees»). On the relational level, interpretations and our emotions play a role («My supervisor always assigns the unpleasant tasks to me because she doesn’t like me»).

Take responsibility.

Ask yourself what part you have in the situation. Is the conflict fuelled because you pigeonhole certain behaviours? By saying, for example: «Now my colleague didn’t let me finish again – that’s typical of his urge to show off.»

Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

Why do they behave like this? What do you think their motives are? What needs underlie this behaviour? If you understand the motivations, you’ll be better able to cope with certain behaviours.

Here you can get support

If a conflict is blocking you or you are suffering greatly from a conflict, then professional support can help. In the Movis employee counselling service, you have the opportunity to look at the conflict with an external, neutral counsellor – and find out how the situation could be steered in a constructive direction. So you feel good again and can concentrate on your tasks.

More information:

This website uses cookies

This website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve the user experience and provide the best possible service. Your consent is always voluntary, not required and can be rejected or withdrawn at any time. You can find out more in our Privacy Policy.

Change permission settings

Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make the user experience more efficient. In accordance with legal provisions, we may store cookies on your device if they are essential for the smooth operation of this website. For all other types of cookies, we require your consent. This website uses different types of cookies, including those set by third parties that appear on our pages. You can change or withdraw your consent in the cookie policy on our website at any time. You can find more information about us, our contact details and the  processing of personal data in our Privacy Policy.

Essential cookies are strictly necessary components that ensure the smooth and secure functioning of the platform. These cookies usually serve several important purposes and cannot be disabled.

Cookie
Function for checking duplicate files
Cookie
Functional WordPress cookies
Description
Essential cookies for managing user login sessions, authenticating users and allowing secure access to
accounts to protect sensitive applicant and employer data – for example, … and the like.

Cookie
GRECAPTCHA
Description
These cookies help protect the website against potential security threats from bots, distinguish between
humans and bots and prevent unauthorised access, thereby improving the overall protection of user
data.

Marketing cookies are used to track visitors to different websites.

Cookie
_fbp
Description
Cookies for website usage. (e.g. IP address)

Cookie
_fbp
Description
Registers statistical data about user behaviour on the website