Don't set up a meeting if it is something that you can deal with informally. Listen lo all sides first- separately, so you can understand each person's views and feelings. Tnen set up a meeting. Don't jump to any conclusions before you go in.
- Too often, people think about what they want done to the other person. Instead, you need to get people to think about what they need from the other person and what they can offer the other person to help move things forward.
- When you handle conflict, don't think of it as fighting a battle, but as a service, you can offer your employees. Make sure you are consistent in how you handle conflict across the organisation.
- Try not to talk down to people. Sometimes, managers start treating people like naughty school kids, but that doesn't work.
- You need to check what is motivating people. Sometimes an issue just begins to appear, but it's got deeper roots.