Then, while the rest of us looked on, they began rolling on the floor, punching each other. I can t remember if we ever finished the game. And the same applies for you, there is often a better way to deal with conflict at work. I ve listed some below. Sorry, Ann and Abby, but sometimes avoidance is the best way to go.
Some arguments just aren t worth having.
Examples include trivial matters, battles with someone who is much more powerful than you, and issues that will take more time to resolve than you can afford. These include times when you re wrong, when you need harmony more than a victory, and when you need to establish good will with the other party. Sometimes fighting IS the best way to proceed. Sometimes giving ground can help you gain ground-in the form of good will and partnerships for down the road. If you ve already failed repeatedly to reach agreement, throw something on the table and see if the other side reciprocates.