Conflict Resolution Scenarios

The next few pages will lay out three different scenarios of workplace conflict. Take a few minutes to read and process each scenario. After each one, you'll be asked to answer a few questions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Scenario #1

A colleague of yours is in a project planning committee with you. They are a fast-talker, always thinking of new ideas but not sure how to implement them. Lately, they are usually unprepared in meetings. You are more of a quiet thinker and need time to process your thoughts before sharing. Your colleague recently made a harsh comment in front of the group about you needing to “speak up more” in meetings. There is an upcoming deadline approaching for the project, and you feel discouraged to collaborate in the meetings after this statement, and you are fearful of being seen as uncooperative. How might you start off this conversation to resolve the conflict with your colleague?

Conflict Analysis

In the comment section below, please answer at least two of the following questions and respond to one of your classmates:

• What type of conflict is showing up?​
• What is the root cause of the conflict?​
• How are power dynamics occurring?​
• How can the conflict be resolved?