Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Resolving a Conflict with Your Coworker

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JULY 20, 2010 3 Tips for Resolving a Conflict with Your Coworker Differences of opinion between coworkers can be useful and even productive. But when clashes turn ugly, conflict can be harmful to working relationships. Here are three tips for handling the next disagreement you have with a colleague: Identify common ground. Point out what you both agree on at the beginning of the conversation. This may be a shared goal or a set of operating rules. Hear your coworker out. Allow your colleague to share his opinion and explain his point of view. Don't disagree with individual points he makes; listen to the whole story. Propose a solution. Use the information you gathered in the conversation to offer a resolution. This should incorporate his perspective and be different from what you originally thought. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The Right Way to Fight" by Amy Gallo. Read the full blog post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Want Collaboration? Accept — and Actively Manage — Conflict Harvard Business Review Article Companies try all kinds of ways to improve collaboration. Although these initiatives produce occasional success stories, most have only a limited impact on dismantling organizational silos and fostering collaboration. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS How to Ask for a Reference Letter 3 Things to Do if You Feel Stuck in Your Job 2 Steps to Changing Your Bad Habits 3 Tips for Strengthening Your Big-Picture Skills 4 Things Your Employees Need From You Know the 3 Ingredients of Important Conversations 3 Tips for Defending without Being Defensive Get Yourself a "Bitsmith" Remove the Mental Barriers to Career Success Don't Let a Tight Budget Stop Your Professional Development BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)