How to Deal with Conflict at the Office

If you’ve ever found yourself in conflict with a coworker or even a supervisor, you’re far from alone. Conflict in the workplace is incredibly common—and incredibly costly. According to Jeff Hayes, CEO of The Myers-Briggs Company, unmanaged conflict can cost organizations millions of dollars each year.

With so many different personalities, communication styles, and perspectives coming together, disagreements are bound to happen. What matters most, however, is how you handle those moments of tension.

If you’re facing workplace conflict, these three tips can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and move toward resolution.

1. Take a Bird’s-Eye View of the Situation

This can be the hardest step—but also the most important.

Try stepping back and looking at the situation objectively. Ask yourself:

What role might I be playing in this conflict?
Did I contribute in any way—directly or indirectly?
What assumptions or emotions might be shaping my reaction?

Self-awareness lays the foundation for meaningful communication. Understanding your own part helps shift the dynamic from defensiveness to problem-solving.

2. Establish and Protect Your Boundaries

Conflict often arises when boundaries are crossed—sometimes without us even realizing it.

Think about whether any of the following apply:

Did you say “yes” because you felt you couldn’t say no?
Did you avoid speaking up in a meeting when you knew you should have?
Are you taking on more than your fair share of tasks?

The good news: it’s never too late to course correct.

Maybe you need a deadline extension. Maybe you need to clarify expectations. Maybe you need to politely stop picking up the slack.

Healthy boundaries respect both your needs and your ability to do your best work.

3. Honour and Respect Differences

When it comes to conflict resolution, nothing is black and white. Every workplace brings together people with different:

Backgrounds
Personalities
Communication styles
Ways of processing information
Stress responses

Recognizing these differences can instantly shift your perspective. Your coworker or supervisor may simply be approaching a situation from a different lens—not necessarily a wrong one.

When you honour these differences, you open the door to empathy, understanding, and clearer communication. This often becomes the turning point in resolving the conflict.

Final Thoughts

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. But the way we respond to it is entirely within our control. By staying self-aware, setting boundaries, and respecting differences, you can transform conflict from a source of stress into an opportunity for growth and better communication.

A healthier response leads to a healthier workplace—for everyone involved.