How to Manage Differing Opinions in the Workplace

7. Have a Plan for Conflict Resolution

Because everyone has different opinions and beliefs, conflict is inevitable in many cases, but having a plan in advance will help you as a manager find solutions and stay calm during these debates. 

The first step in conflict resolution is to listen actively. Try to understand the point your employee is making before jumping in to address issues. Then, work to determine the root cause of the conflict and see if you and your co-workers can find common ground. Understanding where each person is coming from and reminding everyone what the end goal is can temper emotions, clarify responsibilities, and lead to a more positive outcome. Avoid playing the blame game, too, as this isolates certain parties.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Assistance

Dealing with constant conflict can cause a lot of stress for you and your team. Don’t choose to go it alone. Whether you’ve been managing people for one year or three decades, it’s never a bad thing to get a third party’s help. Your HR department, a mentor, or a fellow colleague on a team horizontal to your own can provide tips, methods of working peacefully, and even help identify problems you may be overlooking.

Don’t be afraid to talk or assume you have to find a solution on your own. A business should be structured to support you and your team, as that’s how everyone can be successful in the long run.