How to Resolve Conflicts With Your Boss

Conflict resolution skills are necessary in personal and professional interactions. Avoiding conflict does not alleviate the problem or make the situation more bearable. If you are having difficulty resolving conflict with your boss then it’s time to consider the pathway to settling your differences with him or her.

Things You'll Need

• Conflict resolution skills

Instructions

1. Calm down and let your emotions settle. If you have to step away for a day or two from the situation then please do so. Don’t communicate your feelings towards something or someone out of anger because you may say or do something you might regret.

2. Set up a personal one on one meeting with your boss to communicate honestly on what’s been bothering you.

3. Allow your boss to communicate his perspective of the situation without interruption. Remember there are two sides to every story, and even if you think or know you are right respect the value of your bosses’ opinion.

4. Propose an effective way to resolve the differences in which the both of you are conflicting.

5. Agree upon a trial period to validate that the working relationship between the two of you has been truly repaired.

6. If all else fails and the conflict between you and your boss remains seek the assistance of a mediator. A mediator can be a human resources representative.

7. If the assistance of the human resources representative does not work then it may be time to consider a position elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings

• Be able to give and receive feedback.

• When addressing conflict never speak to someone in an accusatory tone as it makes the other person become defensive.