While some of us enjoy a lively debate with colleagues and others prefer to suppress our feelings over disagreements, we all struggle with conflict at work. Every day we navigate an office full of competing interests, clashing personalities, limited time and resources, and fragile egos. Sure, we share the same overarching goals as our colleagues, but we don't always agree on how to achieve them. We work differently. We rub each other the wrong way. We jockey for position.
Understand the most common sources of conflict
Explore your options for addressing a disagreement
Recognize whether you--and your counterpart--typically seek or avoid conflict
Prepare for and engage in a difficult conversation
Manage your and your counterpart's emotions
Develop a resolution together
Know when to walk away
Arm yourself with the advice you need to succeed on the job, with the most trusted brand in business. Packed with how-to essentials from leading experts, the HBR Guides provide smart answers to your most pressing work challenges.