Positive Working Relationships Revised Edition

Recognising and managing conflict

Conflict is a frequent event in managers’ lives. You might find yourself arbitrating a conflict between two people you manage. You might be in disagreement yourself with a colleague who thinks differently from you or who is fighting for the same resources. You might inadvertently exacerbate existing conflicts, either by being unaware of them or by jumping to conclusions too quickly.

People react very differently to conflict. Stop and think for a minute about your own response. Do you battle the issues head on? Do you negotiate a compromise or do you prefer to avoid conflict altogether?

Although we have natural ...