Maricopa Community Colleges

Maricopa Steward

Dealing With Workplace Conflict

Conflict exists and there is no way to get around it. We are the sum total of our experiences and biology. We bring different perspectives and needs on a whole host of things including differences in culture, gender, style and psychology. In the workplace, we may be confronted by bullies, less-than-ethical behavior, passive-aggressiveness or incompatible personalities. We compete for opportunities, benefits and promotions while dealing with conflicts among our peers, supervisors and customers.

It is amazing any work gets done! Here are some techniques to help deal with conflict in the workplace:

  1. Identify the problem and ensure everyone knows what it is and why it exists.
  2. Let everyone involved state his or her perspective and opinion about the problem.
  3. Determine the ideal solution—from everybody’s point of view.
  4. Make a realistic plan to achieve the end goal.
  5. Compromise.

These tips will help us positively handle conflict with coworkers when things get heated. However, heading off problems before they have a chance to fester is an even better idea. Some preventative measures to consider are:

  1. Speak up when you first notice a problem.
  2. Be aware of triggers and respond when you first notice them.
  3. Create a process for resolving conflicts.
  4. Make sure everyone understands MCCCD’s culture, goals and expectations.
  5. Provide training in conflict resolution and expect people to use what they’ve learned.
  6. Recognize and praise accomplishment.
  7. Discourage gossip or spying.
  8. Make sure expectations are realistic and consistent with job descriptions.

These techniques take commitment and practice, so keep it up and be patient. Remember also that Maricopa embraces the philosophy of High Impact Service.
Maricopa offers a wide variety of training and professional development which focus on a variety of topics such as: dealing with change, diversity and inclusiveness and supervisory skills. These professional development opportunities were created to encourage us to expand our personal and professional skills and enable us to be effective team members.

Contact your employee group representatives for more information on professional development support and the Employee and Organizational Development department at the District for information on training and development opportunities provided by MCCCD.

Employee and Organizational Development

www.maricopa.edu/eod

Employee and Organizational Learning Team

The Employee and Organizational Learning Team (EOLT) is a unit of the Department of Employee and Organizational Development. EOLT provides personal and professional learning opportunities for all Maricopa employees. Courses are offered through a variety of methods including credit and non-credit, on topics relevant to Maricopa. In addition, EOLT works in partnership with colleges, departments and work units to provide assistance and resources to meet specific staff development needs.

EOLT also coordinates the MCCCD New Employee Orientation program as well as supports diversity related training and activities. Coordination and administrative support is provided for several employee group professional growth programs.

www.maricopa.edu/learn/

Creative Pathways

Creative Pathways offers eligible MCCCD employees a variety of opportunities to work toward their professional and personal goals, while at the same time, advancing the educational objectives of the Maricopa Community Colleges. These opportunities have been designed to provide employees with real-world learning experiences for the purpose of acquiring new knowledge, skills and abilities and to help employees consider career options and identify important career development activities.

www.maricopa.edu/comm/pathways

Employee Groups