Sometimes lessons on preventing conflict are learned the hard way - by finding ways to work through them. Here are a few that many of us have learned through experience:
 

1. Learn Personality Differences: People relate better to each other when they understand different personalities and working styles. There are many profiling and assessment tools available, i.e. www.personalitypatch.com is a user-friendly and informative system using colors. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a validated personality instrument. Conversation and learning that addresses differences allows for healthy dialogue before conflict arises.
    
2. Open the Dialogue: At staff meetings, make a point to ask each staff member, "What can I do to support you so you can do your job more effectively?" Guide each staff member to ask each other the same question. Staffs invested in each other's areas of work have less conflict. Sometimes leaders underestimate the power of their example. Be the leader other people want to follow.
    
3. Assess the Teamwork: Include in individual evaluations an assessment of how well staff members get along with each other and deal with conflict in an effective manner. This clearly communicates the expectation that effective teamwork should be part of the culture, and it motivates individuals to monitor their own contribution to harmony, knowing each person will be evaluated this way. With this expectation, this addresses small problems before they become big issues. It's important to hold those who do not perform within these parameters be held accountable for their actions. Otherwise, the assessment means nothing.
    
4. Establish Guidelines: Develop together, and make sure each member understands, the guidelines that will be used for dealing with conflict. Create the guidelines that fit for your team; the following are some things you might consider:
   
   a. Address the problem directly with the person involved first
   
   b. Both parties listen to each other's perspective until they can repeat it back to each other
   
   c. The opposing opinion and person will be treated with respect and honor at all times. Having well-established conflict prevention and resolution guidelines before conflict happens can help everyone involved adopt healthy patterns of working together.
    
5. Pathways to Excellence can help: Pathways to Excellence provides strategies for leadership excellence, including conflict resolution and prevention, that inspire individuals to master the core competencies of supervision and management, and then rise to a higher level of execution and development.

Pathways assists seasoned and emerging leaders with:

• Dealing with stress
• Being a healthy leader
• Understanding multiple generations in the workplace
• Learning different personalities and leadership styles
• And much more...

Supervisor 101 is a great place to start...if you are a new leader...or if you need a refresher...