How to Resolve Conflicts at Work
By eHow Careers & Work Editor
Step1 Decide whether you really need to call a meeting. Can the issue be resolved by an individual or a conference call?
Step2 Determine who needs to attend. Try keeping the number of attendees small, as large meetings get unwieldy. Suggest that people attend only the parts of the meeting that involve them. This way you can keep the discussion more focused.
Step3 Set definite starting and stopping times.
Step4 Prepare an agenda. Explain the goal of the meeting; if there are many goals, decide which ones command priority, and make this clear.
Step5 Circulate the agenda in advance to allow attendees to prepare.
Step6 Assemble visual aids such as charts, handouts or slides.
Step7 Start the meeting at the designated time, regardless of whether everyone is present. Avoid taking too much time to summarize for latecomers.
Step8 Start off the meeting with straightforward, easily resolved issues before heading into thornier ones.
Step9 Allocate a specific amount of time for each issue. Move through issues, allowing for discussion but discouraging digression or repetition. Use a timer to help monitor the time.
Step10 Postpone discussion until the end of the meeting if debate on an issue runs overtime. Make sure to cover the other issues on the agenda.
Step11Follow up: Circulate copies of the minutes after the meeting to remind everyone of conclusions and action plans.
