Resolving Workplace Conflicts: General - Unwilling to Compromise (PDF)

Conflict tends to have a negative connotation based on our experiences, but it does not have to be this way. When we seek to understand, we communicate that we care enough to work through difficult situations and determine how to make things better to reduce stress, promote communication and enhance teamwork.

It's detrimental to teamwork and organizations when an employee refuses to negotiate in good faith and refuses to concede any ground in circumstances when give and take is necessary to achieve cooperation and deliver quality projects/services. A lack of consideration for considering the greater benefits of securing new or increased business, or for partnering with contractors necessary to deliver on project goals and deliver the desired levels of performance, etc, have broader impacts on the success and competitive standing of the organization. It may start with understanding others' perceptions and needs, and establishing priorities for what is and is not negotiable. Items that are negotiable provide some flexibility for ensuring beneficial outcomes for all involved parties.

With this tool you get the following:

•  The effects an unwillingness to compromise has on team members.
•  Considerations for why an individual is unwilling to compromise.
•  Numerous solutions for improvement.
•  Ideas for negotiating/adjusting solutions.
•  Potential barriers and ways to overcome them to achieve resolution.
•  Implementation timeframe.
•  Follow-up review commitments.

Additionally, we provide a blank, editable Conflict Resolution Worksheet and the Worksheet Guidelines providing a step-by-step process for addressing your own workplace conflicts.