When it happens in the workplace, it can reduce productivity and make a dent in morale. It takes on the shape that one person, or a group of people, frustrates or hampers another person or group's efforts at achieving a goal. This isn’t always done on purpose.

Interpersonal Issues

<ul><li>Frustration and stress</li><li>Misunderstandings</li><li>Lack of planning</li><li>Bad staff selection</li><li>Poor Communication</li></ul>

What Causes Interpersonal Conflict

<ul><li>Policy Conflicts: disagreements about how to deal with a situation that affects both parties. </li><li>Value Conflicts: they are typically pretty difficult to resolve because they are more ingrained.</li><li>Ego Conflicts: losing an argument, or being thought of as wrong, can actually damage a person’s self-esteem. This is like a power struggle.</li></ul>

Types of Interpersonal Conflict

<ol><li>Acknowledge the conflict and look at it objectively.</li><li>Open up the lines of communication and approach the conflict in the spirit of collaboration.</li><li>Focus on the problem, not the other person.</li><li>Stick to the facts.</li><li>Meet face to face. It’s difficult to truly address a conflict virtually.</li><li>Pick your battles. There’s only so much we can do.</li><li>Make a decision and act on it.</li></ol>

Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict 

Interpersonal conflicts happen in all areas of our lives and work is no different. It's not necessarily a bad thing to have conflict. As a matter of fact, most people with expertise in communication between humans will tell you conflict can be a good thing.

Interpersonal Issues

7 Ground Rules for Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict at Work

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