Answer 1: Avoid the conflict
Do not avoid the conflict, hoping it will go away. Trust me. It won’t. Even if the conflict appears to have been superficially put to rest, it will rear its ugly head whenever stress increases or a new disagreement occurs. An unresolved conflict or interpersonal disagreement festers just under the surface in your work environment. It bubbles to the surface whenever enabled, and always at the worst possible moment. Avoiding is not an option.
Answer 2: Meet Seperately
Do not meet separately with people in conflict. If you allow each individual to tell their story to you, you risk polarising their positions. The person in conflict has a vested interest in making himself or herself “right” if you place yourself in the position of judge and jury. The sole goal of the employee, in this situation, is to convince you of the merits of their case.
Answwer 3: Think that only the participants are affected.
Do not believe, for even a moment, the only people who are affected by the conflict are the participants. Everyone in your office and every employee with whom the conflicting employees interact, is affected by the stress. People feel as if they are walking on egg shells in the presence of the antagonists. This contributes to the creation of a hostile work environment for other employees. In worst case scenarios, your organisation members take sides and your organization is divided.
Interested in what to do to resolve the conflict? These are the steps for conflict resolution