The work environment can be a stressful place to be and those that had worked long enough can vouch for that. As colleagues come together to work on the same projects or assignments, rubbing each others’ shoulders cannot be avoided. Conflicts do occur even over small matters. Although conflicts cannot be totally removed, they can be controlled or reduced.

These are a few tips that I’ve learned over the years that had proven helpful.

DO NOT communicate via emails on “touchy” issue

It is very difficult to read emotions in emails even with all the emoticons at our disposal. Many unnecessary conflicts arose due to misunderstood emails. If a subject is going to be sensitive and there is a possibility of creating a negative response, the best thing to do is to avoid communicating via emails. Instead, set up a meeting or if the other person is not in the same office, pick up the phone and make the call instead.

DO NOT conclude until you hear all sides

We often fell into the trap of making our own conclusions too quickly before making all the necessary investigations or talking to all parties involved. For example, we tend to side our own departmental staff when he/she approached us with an issue. Instead of jumping into conclusions too quickly, we should instead invite or talk to other parties first before giving our opinions. Half-heard stories if not careful can be spun off as juicy tales for gossips. So, hold your judgment and always give the other person the benefit of doubt or opportunity to explain themselves.

Use “cooling period”

When everyone is tense, words or actions uttered will usually be regretted later. I had made that mistake several times in the past just because I need to let my opinions heard immediately because I thought I was absolutely right at that point of time. Unwise! Rather than reacting quickly to a tense situation, permit time to take its course. Take a break if need be. If it can be postponed to the next day, better still. Make use of the break or cooling period to reflect. Usually, words uttered or decisions made after the cooling period would be more objective and rational. In other words, allowing your emotions to cool down and giving your time to focus on the solution than your frustration can lead to a more objective and peaceful resolution.

Do you have a tip to share?