Before we discuss tips on how to better approach conflict, it is important for us to take a moment to recognize and embrace that it is inevitable. No matter how hard we try, everyone will eventually experience some type of disaccord at their job. When we acknowledge and accept this fact, it allows us to prepare to handle conflict in the most positive way we can.
Addressing workplace conflict and resolution is particularly important for travel nurses because they are constantly stepping into teams that have already established cultures, roles, expectations and relationships. The very nature of travel nursing means that you will be encountering different groups of people and expected to work with them cohesively much more often than the average employee. Because of these things, it can be particularly important for travel nurses to be equipped with positive conflict resolution skills that can be used to help navigate and quickly adapt into their new environment.
Tip 1: Start Off Right
We already know that travel nurses are in and out of new places all the time. Starting each new experience off right will help travel nurses acclimate to their newest working environment with more ease. An easy first way to do this is by introducing yourself to leadership. Let them know you are excited to get a chance to work with their team and don’t be afraid to ask how you can best support them during this time. You should also ask your leaders important questions about your resources. It is okay to ask who you should report to if you are in need of professional support (questions regarding the job, help resolving possible conflict, etc).
Lastly, do not shy away from introducing yourself to your new coworkers. You are the new person, let them know you are friendly and willing to be a team player. Show them you are ready to work hard and do your best to support the team.
Tip 2: Don’t Avoid Conflict
A lot of the times when people are presented with a conflict at work, it can feel simplest to just avoid the issue or sweep it under the rug. It’s easy to think “I’ll just let it go.” However, this approach often can lead to an escalation in the issue, building tension and stress in your everyday working environment. Avoiding a problem actually creates separation in a team, as resentment builds during unresolved conflict. Addressing the problem in a healthy way, instead, can actually bring a team closer together as resolution will create a space of understanding and common ground.
Tip 3: Practice Positive Communication Skills
In order for a conflict to have its best chance at bringing a team together, positive communication skills have to be utilized. Make sure to try and keep words, behaviors and attitudes as professional as possible. Remember that your point can always be made calmly, quietly and with respect for others.
Below are a few skills to practice to help you stay positive in your communication:
Actively Listen
Active listening is about helping the other person(s) feel heard and understood rather than expressing your opinion or standpoint right away. If you are too busy trying to defend your viewpoint or provide a rebuttal to an argument, you are not seeking to understand. You must stay present and engaged because once you understand the other side clearly, there is more room for compromise.
Learn more about active listening here: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/coaching-others-use-active-listening-skills/
Compromise
Compromise is a very important aspect of positive workplace communication and conflict resolution. When we focus on common ground and working together, conflict becomes a teamwork building activity rather than a battle that can tear people and teams down.
Learn more about skills to compromising here: https://www.inc.com/larry-alton/7-secrets-for-better-compromises-in-workplace.html
Be Self-Aware
Self-Awareness is a key aspect in developing positive communications skills that inevitably help travel nurses resolve conflict in a productive way. Being aware of how others perceive you and aware of your own biases, beliefs and behaviors, helps you form appropriate responses to those around you during times of tension or disaccord.
Learn more about how being self-aware can aid in conflict resolution here: https://training.hr.ufl.edu/resources/LeadershipToolkit/job_aids/Mastering_Conflict_Through_Self_Awareness.pdf
Tip 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Conflict resolution and positive communication are skills, which is why you can’t be expected to just know how to do it all on your own. You can seek out support from hospital resources, your leadership and your staffing agency.
Checkout the resources below to get started on expanding your conflict resolution skill set:
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