Running a business can throw up a lot of challenges, and one of the biggest is how to manage your staff and difficult situations that might arise from arguments or complaints.
That is why dispute resolution training is now becoming an increasingly popular option for managers who are looking for the best ways to resolve situations without inflaming them further.
In this article, UK Mediation take a look at what dispute resolution means and why it can be beneficial.
What is dispute resolution?
There will always be difficult situations that arise in a business, no matter how big or small it might be. This could be as a result of direct actions, or it could be down to a matter of differences in opinions, interests or ways of expressing ourselves.
These situations have the potential to escalate quickly, and they can make for an unpleasant working atmosphere as well as taking its toll on the mental health of those involved.
Dispute resolution training teaches managers how to listen and understand the problems whilst respecting the different perspectives and working together to find some sort of common ground or compromise that all parties can agree on. This is not as simple as it sounds, especially when different personalities collide, and so it is important to be properly trained in the correct techniques.
Improving communication
A great number of the problems and conflicts that occur between staff members are often down to issues with communication. Dispute resolution training teaches the skill of active listening, to ensure everyone is heard properly as well as sharing how to show empathy and assertiveness. Feedback can then be given in a constructive and non-confrontational manner, which can help all parties to understand the situation and come together to find a solution.
Building trust
When disputes arise at work, many employees find it difficult to take the issue to a manager because they fear that they may not be listened to or treated fairly. Not only will the dispute resolution training teach managers the skills that they need to avoid this from happening, but the fact also that they have been trained will instil greater levels of trust in the workplace that and complaints will be dealt with in the best way.
Avoiding escalation
What can often be small issues to start with, often turn into huge conflicts because they have been allowed to rumble on over time. This allows feelings of mistrust and resentment to build, and it can affect other members of staff as well as those directly involved as people feel that they need to take sides.
This can have a massive impact on the atmosphere of a workplace and can be extremely damaging. Undergoing dispute management training gives managers the skills to identify these smaller problems and deal with them much more quickly, avoiding the need for them to escalate.
Setting boundaries
By undergoing training in dispute resolution, managers are better placed to put together policies for the workplace and set boundaries and expectations in terms of behaviour.
They can implement changes to benefit the environment and bring in support and resources to help employees to manage their situations. This means that everyone working in the business knows exactly where they stand, what is expected of them and how they should deal with situations themselves.
Dispute resolution training can be extremely beneficial for managers to help set boundaries and manage situations that many of us would find difficult to navigate. It allows for clear thinking, expression and transparency, which can enhance the reputation of the business and build stronger and healthier working relationships within the business.
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