Resolving conflict at work starts with the employees, but some situations call for additional resources. If you find yourself in a situation that needs a little extra help, look to your organization’s internal experts or consider hiring an outside professional for conflict resolution.
Internal expertise:
Human Resources: Partner with HR to ferret out the resources your organization currently has in place and what the company may be willing to find or create for you.
Ombudsman: Turning to an ombudsman is a confidential way for all employees (including you!) to talk through existing problems and consider alternatives.
Shared neutrals: A panel of peers is a low-cost way to review, discuss, and mediate disputes.
External expertise:
Conflict coaches: Coaching employees through an existing conflict can also help them build skills to handle future difficulties.
Dispute Resolution Centers: A community resource can be a cost-effective way to harness conflict resolution expertise.
Mediators: A trained professional can effectively decipher issues and provide neutrality when you need it most.
Training organizations: Proactively training employees to address the inevitable workplace conflict saves time and money.
