Conflict Resolution Tips for the Workplace Medical settings often deal with life or death situations. These cases are not made any easier when internal conflict arises. Conflicts benefit no one while they are going on, especially not the patients that are under care. There is a multitude of ways to handle conflicts in the workplace. These ideas are relevant to medical environments as well, and should be taken into consideration. It is best to resolve any conflict as quickly and professionally as possible in order to keep things running smoothly and patients are taken care of. Related: Top 10 Tips to Start Your Semester Off Right Step Away It is no good to try and tackle an issue when someone is still upset. It is better to wait until all of the parties involved have calmed down and are willing to work something out peacefully. Take a moment to step away from the situation and calm down before addressing it with the other party or parties. A stressful time and place are not beneficial to the situation. Set aside a time where you can talk and have a calm atmosphere when all of you are at your best. This is useful for keeping things under control and making sure that everyone is on the same page. Respond …and not react. By waiting to answer to things instead of instinctively reacting, you are allowing yourself to make a rational decision. This may be difficult, but it is important. You do not want to say anything in the moment that will cause more problems when it comes to resolution. You will be in a better position to respond when you take a moment to clear your mind and think about it first. Keep to the Issue Do not let the conversation trail off and turn into something else, not even if it is about the other person. Do stick to the facts and keep it from getting personal. Try to understand where the other person is coming from. Figure out what happened and what needs to be done to fix it. Mutually solving the problem will help both parties to be satisfied with the outcome. If either of you is walking away feeling as if you have won, nothing has really been accomplished. Related: Cover Letter Dos and Don'ts