Handling Conflict During your Internship
People getting into argument and disagreement in the workplace are something normal. It can even be considered to be a good thing to let opinions clash from time to time as long as it is done in a civilized and respectful manner. Of course, keeping your emotions in check is always the greatest challenge in heated moments. Being an intern is the best time to familiarize yourself with the ways to professionally handle a conflict. However, there is always a chance that you get into dispute when you are still in your internship. Here are a few tips for when you find yourself in conflict during your internship.
Acknowledgement
In resolving a conflict during your internship, the first step is always to accept that you have a problem. When you feel a tension building up, do not ignore it just because you think it will go away in time. If you left a wound to fester, it will only get worse. The same applies to conflict. If you do not face it quickly, the more it will build up and the harder it will be to resolve it peacefully. Whether it was you, the other person, or the both of you who made a mistake, it never hurt to be the one initiating a conversation because if nothing else, it will show a degree of maturity that are definitely appreciated in every workplace.
Have a discussion
Communication is key in every good relationship. A face-to-face discussion is a great way to get into the heart of the matter and to minimize any chance of misunderstanding. When walking into a discussion, it is important to keep in mind that the point of the exercise is to make the other parties understand your thought and intention and vice versa. Stating your opinion is just as important as to listen to what the others have to say. If you do not feel confident in resolving the conflict during your internship with just a talk between all of those involved, you can always ask help from an objective third-party. Moreover, if the conflict touched on a sensitive subject such as sexual harassment or race discrimination, it is best to report it directly to your superior or HR rather than just trying to solve it by yourself.
Stay focused and calm
In the course of the discussion, it is normal for emotions to escalate and temper to flare up. However, you have to remember that you are in a professional setting and that kind of display has no place in it. Take a deep breath and take a step back when you feel like you are starting to lose control. Keep the discussion on its subject matter and avoid any attempt to bring any unrelated topic into it. When you speak, make sure that your voice is calm and your body language is relaxed. When you listen, show that you are focused in what the other party has to say. Do not let yourself get easily distracted, even when the situation is awkward. Tuck away your phone and keep your eyes on the person in front of you.
Compromise
The best outcome for many conflicts is a win-win situation. A lot of time you might be tempted to put the blame entirely at the other party but it is also important for you to admit your own faults. Resolving a conflict during your internship is not only about trying to get what you want but also the willingness to give in to reach a fair resolution. Make sure that everyone leaves the room while feeling satisfied.
There are times when getting into a conflict during your internship is just unavoidable. However, always remember that you need to be professional when you are in the workplace. Keep your emotion in check and remember to be respectful to each other. A peaceful resolution will make an overall better workplace environment because it sets an example for everyone else.