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Conflict

Dealing with Conflict in the Workforce
by Joyce Henderson on Thursday, November 18, 2004

Effective teamwork is an essential in most jobs. B. Brewster Jennings summarized its importance, writing, "Man's greatest discovery is not fire, nor the wheel, nor the combustion engine, nor atomic energy, nor anything in the material world. It is in the world of ideas. Man's greatest discovery is teamwork by agreement." (1)

"Man's greatest discovery is not fire, nor the wheel, nor the combustion engine... Man's greatest discovery is teamwork by agreement." -- B. Brewster Jennings
Even in the best of teams, however, disagreement can mar the effective functioning of co-workers. We all have expectations of ourselves and others, and how we should relate. Most of our expectations are not based on the reality of our humaness, but on wishful thinking and idealizing. Whenever there is a disagreement, it is helpful to examine expectations and ask yourself where they come from, are they based on your needs or those of the other person. Monitor discussions for frequent use of "should," "should not," or "ought," which are clues to the presence of unrealistic expectations.

After you study the information here, you will be able to:

1. Identify four methods for dealing with a disagreement and build foundations for agreements which will reduce friction among co-workers.
2. Adopt attitudes in dealing with others that will convey respect and general good will.
3. Develop new listening skills using the eyes, ears, body, voice and mind.



People use their expectations to maintain order in their lives. Unmet or violated expectations evoke stress, complaints and disagreements. (2) Disagreements between people are an inherent and normal part of life, stemming from differences in perceptions, lifestyles, values, facts, motivations or procedures. However, disagreements may also be threatening because they arouse deep feelings of anger, jealousy, fear, grief, guilt,...