Act as soon as possible
As the Harvard Business Review states, once you detect an emerging conflict, take action as quickly as possible. The sooner you intervene, the easier it will be to resolve the conflict. Conversely, the longer you let it swell and grow, the harder it will be to resolve it effectively and quickly.
Create a safe space to talk out the problem
Conflicts are often so much worse when there are assumptions and unexpressed criticism from both sides. The best thing you can do is act as an impartial facilitator, creating a calm and safe space in which all parties can hash out the conflict amongst themselves. Therefore, organise a short meeting, workshop or even just a lunch together to discuss the issue with all stakeholders.
Find a compromise solution
Do not focus so much on where the parties differ, but rather on where they meet and where they can find common ground. On the basis of these common intersections, try to find a compromise solution that is workable for all, or even one that benefits everyone.
Monitor the situation continuously
A conflict is usually not resolved in just one session. Once you have found a workable solution, keep monitoring the situation and its development. And make sure that the conflict has indeed been extinguished, or is at least moving towards a successful resolution.
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