Eliminating conflict entirely would cause its own problems: there would be no diversity of opinion, and no way for us to catch and correct flawed plans and policies.
What is Conflict Management?
Conflict management, also known as conflict resolution, involves having a workplace that precludes conflict and a management team that successfully handles and resolves workplace issues.
What Are Conflict Management Skills?
The aim for professionals in the workplace should not be to avoid conflict, but to resolve it in an effective manner. Employees with strong conflict resolution skills are able to effectively handle workplace issues. Communicating clearly, empathetically, and patiently leads to favorable outcomes and keeps professional relationships strong.
Why Employers Value Conflict Management Skills
Poor communication or interpersonal tension can easily cause simple disagreements to flare up into resentment or worse. Conflicts that are allowed to fester and grow will ultimately diminish productivity and damage staff morale. This is why employers seek employees with the skills to manage and diffuse conflict.
Types of Conflict Management Skills
Communication
Much unnecessary conflict can be avoided simply with clear, accurate written and verbal communication; a single lost email could lead to failed plans and fingers pointed. Assumptions about what other people already know, think, or intend can cause resentment or worse. Some people argue just because they want to feel heard. Examples of good communication skills include:
Quickly Addressing Problems Understanding Reluctant Participants Formalizing Agreements Active Listening Leadership Mediating Meeting with Parties Modeling Reasonable Dialogue Negotiating Nonverbal Communication Open Dialogue Suppressing Conflict-Provoking Behaviors Teaching Positive Behaviors Written Communication
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your own feelings and those of others, and to handle those feelings well. People who have high emotional intelligence are good at identifying and meeting the needs of others while taking responsibility for their own needs and feelings. A few ways they do this are:
Being Adaptable Being Analytical Asserting Feelings Compromising Showing Curiosity Forgiving Transgressions Helping Others Identifying Triggers Recognizing Improvements Setting Ground Rules Showing Respect Modifying Behavior Being Motivated Being Optimistic Being Self-Aware Displaying Self-Regulation
Empathy
Empathy means feeling what others feel. The ability to see a situation from someone else’s viewpoint, and to understand their needs, motivations, and possible misunderstandings, is critical to effective conflict management. At its most useful, empathy is augmented by an intellectual understanding of another’s situation, since emotional empathy alone can sometimes create complicated scenarios. Empathy is best applied in a work environment when paired with critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and other types of discernment. Hallmarks of empathy include:
Accountability Asking for Feedback Building Trust Showing Compassion Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Giving Constructive Feedback Handling Difficult People Managing Emotions High Emotional Intelligence Identifying Nonverbal Cues Recognizing Differences Understanding Different Viewpoints Good Interpersonal Skills Ability to Recognize Problems Good Self-Control Ability to Embrace Different Opinions
Creative Problem Solving
Understanding and communication are all very well and good, but do not help much if you don’t have a solution for the underlying problem, whatever that problem may be. That makes problem-solving an in-demand skill for employers. Examples of problem-solving conflicts in the workplace include:
Conflict Analysis Brainstorming Solutions Collaborating Verbal Communication Convening Meetings Creativity Decision Making Designating Sanctions Nonverbal Communication Problem Solving Sense of Humor Goal Integration Monitoring Compliance Reconfiguring Relationships Fair Resolution
More Conflict Management Skills
Here are additional conflict management skills for resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviews. Required skills will vary based on the job to which you’re applying, so also review our list of skills listed by job and type of skill.
ApologizingAvoiding PunishingBeing PresentCalmnessImpartialityIntuitivenessAbility to “Let It Go"PatiencePositivityAbility to Prioritize RelationshipsRespecting DifferencesSeparating YourselfStress ManagementAbility to Take Criticism
HIGHLIGHT SKILLS IN YOUR COVER LETTER: You can incorporate your most relevant terms into your cover letter. DISCUSS YOUR SKILLS AT JOB INTERVIEWS: Keep the top skills listed here in mind during your interview, and be prepared to give examples of how you’ve used each.
