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Muhammad Harith Zainudin
Muhammad Harith Zainudin

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Ways to handle disagreement at workplace

As human beings, we cannot avoid disagreement no matter how good or how careful we are, there will be a time we will not agree with someone else's ideas, opinions, or actions

When disagreement happens, most of us will tend to just accept it and let it be just because we want to avoid confrontation or because our feelings are hurt.

The problem will not be solved and this will result in a bigger problem where it could affect our mental and work performance especially at work or with our colleagues. Here's the way to handle disagreement

Acknowledge the disagreement

Recognize and acknowledge that
there is a disagreement between both parties and work on ways to solve it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. 

Don't compare

Disagreement always comes from something that other people have said or done in the present but we have already experienced it in the past. This will trigger the emotional reaction that could start the disagreement. We need to learn how to control this feeling. Think as what happens now is not the same as what happened in the past and it is not related. This will help us deal with the conflict more effectively because of less emotional attachment involved

Find a way to listen and understand

The biggest challenge in resolving conflict is a lack of willingness to listen and understand from the other parties. Try to not speak first. Hold it. Listen, and understand. Be calm and don't rush

Do not look for differences

Find a common ground. Focusing on the differences will only widen the gap between us and the other party. If we want to end the disagreement, try to find a point that both of the parties can agree on even if it means that we have to make some compromises

Be responsible for your own feelings

When we are at the peak of our anger or disagreement, it is so easy for us to make excuses, point blame, and make accusations. Oftentimes, conflict only lasts long because of the emotions involved in it. If we want to end the disagreement and move on, take full responsibility for our own feelings. Acknowledge how we have caused other people disappointment or hurt because of what we said or did during the argument

Commit yourself to a resolution

Before we think that we want to make the relationship with the other parties become toxic after the disagreement. Think back, is it worth that conflict is worth destroying the relationship that has been built with that person. If it is not, commit ourselves to make sure that the other party understands that we want to resolve the conflict and continue to nurture the relationship.

We will encounter disagreement at some point in our life, but it should never hinder us from living a good life just because we don’t agree with someone else’s actions, ideas, or opinions. It’s all about knowing which battles to fight and which to just let be.

Hope this will help!

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