Communicating through email has its benefits and occasionally its downsides. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand your teammates and conflict can arise through email. Thankfully, with the right approach to resolving conflict through email, you can navigate problems without needing to meet face to face.
Here are 5 tips for resolving conflict through email.
1. Avoid negativity
One of the most important things to remember during conflict is to understand the other party’s point of view. This can be done so by avoiding negativity and creating an open environment in which your teammate feels comfortable communicating with you. Even if you believe that you are correct and the other party is in the wrong, it is important to steer clear of hurtful and overly emotive language. This is especially important to maintain professionalism in the workplace. After all, the chances of resolving the conflict will be much higher if both parties are respectful and willing to listen to each other.
2. Ask questions
Asking questions will help understand the other party. This also shows them that you are willing to resolve the conflict and want to make things right. By asking questions, it enables you to clearly see which point you disagree on and help clear confusion.
3. Be willing to take the first step
It is always better to take the first step to resolve conflict, especially when it’s through email in a situation where you might not see the other party face to face. Taking the first step means that you can prevent the conflict from growing and making it even more difficult to address as time goes on.
4. Understand how you feel
Make a list of points that concern you. This way, you can understand how you feel and express those feelings to the other party. Expressing your emotions rather than throwing accusations sets you up for success and ensures the conflict does not worsen. For example, instead of saying
“You were unavailable right before the project was due and I had to finish everything myself”
try
“I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to complete when I couldn’t find you. If something pops up again, can you please let me know beforehand?”
5. Resolving conflict over email has limitations
Understand that communicating over email means non-verbal cues and no body language. Tone and language have to be inferred, so it is important to be as clear as you can with your writing. Avoid using language that you know could be understood differently, especially if it is to someone you do not know personally.
And now, you’re all set! You’ve got the tips for how to resolve conflict through the workplace (if it arises)!
