Avoiding Conflict In The Workplace By Rebecca Daniel

People are predictably different If you really examine and research this further, although people are uniquely different, funnily enough, they can be predictable in their behaviors based on their personalities. What is more interesting is when surrounded by similar personalities or people with similar passions but different values ​​and beliefs, this is when things start to heat up.

In an ideal world, it would be nice for everyone to be well and for relationships (both personal and professional) to be harmonious. However, as Rocky Balboa would say, “The world is not all sunshine and rainbows” and unfortunately, this is the same in the “real” world

Don’t panic, as with everything, there is a solution. Rebecca Daniel, founder and director of The Jigsaw Company, award-winning social entrepreneur, qualified Teacher, Transformational Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and DISC Behavioral and Personality Profiling Practitioner shares her tips on how you can reduce the conflicts and eliminate the drama in your workplace .

Learning how to avoid or reduce conflict can help individuals reduce stress and anxiety and focus on boosting those positive hormones – which can help people feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled.

Interestingly, unique experiences and unexpected events that have not been encountered before are perfect recipes for conflict and drama. Being laid off, working from home, relationship breakdowns, the loss of a loved one, homeschooling, global pandemics…you name it.

It is important to explore concepts and theories and learn new strategies to prevent being caught in a web of drama and conflict that will affect your mental, physical and psychological well-being.

Psychiatrist Karpman (1965) presents an overview of how conflicts occur in a model he calls the “Drama Triangle”. This expresses that each person plays a specific role in any conflict. Despite the triangular model, it is a cyclical approach and individuals can rotate around the triangle depending on the situation and/or their environment. He presents three roles: the “victim”, “rescuer” and “persecutor”. Interestingly, one role is not more superior than the other because all parties have the best intentions. But when they are stuck in the triangle, their emotions can be extremely erratic, which reduces the likelihood for a positive outcome.

So, what do you do from here if you find yourself involved in conflict at your workplace?

Get a bird’s eye view

Take a step back and assess where you are on the triangle. Each person on the triangle has a positive intention, so it’s important to get a bird’s eye view of the situation and try to see it from their perspective.

Become a detective

Research the facts. It is important to ask yourself, what did you really see or hear and also what assumptions are you making?

Empower yourself

Find a more empowering resolution. During a situation where tensions are high, it is difficult to think objectively, but again, it is important that you think about the situation and ask yourself what you would like to happen in this situation.

Ignite meaningful conversations

Ignite a more positive and meaningful dialogue with the parties involved at your workplace and listen to each other.

Let it go!

Recognize the role you no longer choose to play in any conflict or drama. Empower yourself to focus on you and the things that are in your control; let go of the things you can’t control, that no longer serve you.