Improve Relationships and Unit Cohesiveness with Effective Communication Skills

Conflict in relationships and in a workplace is virtually inevitable. In itself, conflict is not a problem; however, how it is handled, can bring people together or tear them apart. Poor communication skills, disagreements and misunderstandings can be a source of anger and distance, or a springboard to stronger relationships and unit cohesion. As a supervisor, it is your responsibility to identify and resolve conflict within your sphere of control.

You observe that two of your employees are in conflict. They do not speak to each other, even to give the greeting of the day and their attitudes and behavior are starting to affect the entire office. Other people in the office are starting to "take sides" and the animosity is affecting job performance.

Remembering that the goal of effective communication skills should be mutual understanding and finding a solution that pleases both parties, not "winning" the argument or "being right,), what steps would you take to resolve this situation? Be specific about the communication skills you would employ, why, and what results you expect.