Benjamin Franklin is credited with the axiom that “nothing is certain except for death and taxes.”  Another thing that is certain is conflict. Conflict is inevitable among business partners, spouses, family, and friends but conflicts in the workplace can be particularly difficult to resolve. Here are some tips and techniques that you can use to deal with conflicts at the workplace (and at home).

Active Listening

Don’t just listen, engage in the conversation.

Ask Open Ended Questions

Open ended questions are questions that require the respondent to answer in their own words – more than a simple yes or no answer.

Use Mirroring

Mirroring helps to facilitate empathy.

Seek Common Points of Interest

Common ground provides an important pathway for communication.

Develop a Plan for Next Steps

Ideally, you will resolve the conflict and, as a result, your relationship will grow. Sometimes, however, the best path forward is a divergent path. Whatever you decide, plan your next steps.

Document the Resolution

Writing down what you have agreed to will ensure that everyone’s expectations are aligned and will reduce the likelihood of further conflict, at least as to the issue(s) that you just resolved.

Conflict is likely to occur in any business relationship regardless of how well you get along with your partners. Fortunately, there are many strategies that may help to resolve a dispute in a timely and amicable manner. Using these strategies may ensure that your New Jersey company doesn’t have to close or experience lasting damage to its brand because of a disagreement.