Dealing with conflict Part 1: Within the team

Working in a caring profession does not give you immunity from tensions with colleagues. Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to stop normal conflict becoming a problem

You are sitting down to a family dinner when suddenly the tension shifts in the room. Someone has said something that irks another member of the family. Bang go your hopes that this reunion would be different.

Don’t worry, your family is perfectly normal. When any group of people come together regularly, or for a prolonged period, some degree of conflict is inevitable.

Though you have a professional duty to work cooperatively with your colleagues, the reality is that disagreements are unavoidable. But you can prevent everyday squabbles from escalating to the point where team efficiency and patient safety are adversely affected.

Conflict needn’t be bad

Workplace conflicts are challenging