When different ideas and interests collide, conflict is inevitable. When managed effectively, conflict can produce energy, creativity, and formulation of alternative ideas.

At Georgia Tech, we hope that employees and managers can effectively manage conflict within their teams and departments. In order to do so, collaboration must occur between managers and employees. Once individuals collaborate to resolve conflict, strengths are recognized, alternative solutions emerge, trust is developed, and people become committed to a common goal and purpose.

To stimulate collaboration with managers or other colleagues with whom you may have a conflict, you can incorporate the following negotiation skills in order to reach a resolution:

1. Determine the nature of the conflict

What exactly is the cause of your conflict with another employee? Is your conflict fact based or value based in nature? Make sure you are not allowing your own beliefs/values to cloud the true meaning of your dispute.

2. Effectively initiate conversation

Ask your fellow colleague if you can discuss the issue with him or her. Remain calm, state the facts, and don’t attack the other person or become demeaning. State how the actions of the other person made you feel in a non-accusatory tone. Utilize “I feel” or “I believe” statements when at all possible.

3. Listen to the others’ point of view

Actively listen to your colleague’s stance on the issue and be open to hearing what he or she has to say.

4. Problem solve and collaborate as a team to reach a consensus

Together, try to find a viable solution for both parties following the steps below:

• Clarify the problem as a team
• Generate probable solutions
• Decide as a team the best scenario that will benefit both parties
• Develop a plan to implement your solution
• Determine a time to reconvene to assess the success of your plan