Are you handling conflict effectively?

Business is tough, with opportunities getting harder to find. When the opportunity does appear, companies can be so busy pursuing the work that contractual issues get lowered down the priority list.

Contracts are a vital way for both parties to understand what is being offered and what is expected. If both parties take time to read the ‘small print’ and negotiate the fine detail prior to work commencing, the whole process should go smoothly. However disputes do arise where the expectations of the parties are different and where contracts fail to meet their needs.

Handling conflict is difficult. Not everyone deals with it in the same way. Some people will avoid any type of conflict, instinctively ignoring tough situations while others will feel their temper rising and jump in with both feet. Whatever your style of handling difficult situations chances are you will find conflict stressful and emotionally draining.

Conflict Resolution Methods in the Workplace

When dealing with conflict within business relationships it is best to try not to personalise the situation, often difficult for small businesses. In removing one’s emotions from the situation it may be easier to find common ground and ultimately a solution.

If the situation has escalated enough that a resolution cannot be agreed, it may be appropriate to call upon the services of a commercial mediator.

Through the process of commercial mediation a trained mediator will listen to both sides of the dispute and help the parties to find common ground. It is not the role of the mediator to make a judgement on who is right or wrong, but simply to find a compromise both parties can live with. Mediation will typically take place on neutral territory and both parties have individual time with the mediator to be able to fully express their side of the story. As emotions often run high, the mediator is trained in being able to defuse highly-charged situations and is an extremely effective communicator.

Mediation is often the last point before legal action, which can be time consuming, stressful and expensive, so its in everyone’s best interests to avoid it.

Call us today on 0333 014 4575 to see how we can help your situation.