How can you effectively approach conflict with a coworker in Database Development?

2 Listen and empathize

The second step to approach conflict with a coworker is to listen and empathize with their perspective. Listening means paying attention to what they are saying, asking questions, and clarifying points. Empathizing means acknowledging their feelings, needs, and concerns, and showing respect and appreciation for their work. By listening and empathizing, you can build rapport, trust, and understanding with your coworker, and avoid assumptions, judgments, or accusations.

3 Express and negotiate

The third step to approach conflict with a coworker is to express and negotiate your own perspective. Expressing means stating your facts, opinions, and feelings clearly, honestly, and respectfully. Negotiating means finding a common ground, compromising, or agreeing to disagree on certain aspects. By expressing and negotiating, you can share your views, expectations, and goals with your coworker, and seek a mutually beneficial solution.

4 Document and follow up

The fourth step to approach conflict with a coworker is to document and follow up on the outcome of the discussion. Documenting means recording the main points, agreements, and action items of the conversation, and sharing them with your coworker and other relevant parties. Following up means checking in with your coworker regularly, providing feedback, and updating the progress of the tasks. By documenting and following up, you can ensure accountability, transparency, and consistency in your database development project.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step to approach conflict with a coworker is to learn and improve from the experience. Learning means reflecting on what went well and what went wrong in the conflict situation, and identifying the lessons and insights you gained. Improving means applying the lessons and insights to your future database development projects, and enhancing your skills, knowledge, and relationships. By learning and improving, you can grow as a database developer and a team player.

6 Seek help if needed

The sixth step to approach conflict with a coworker is to seek help if needed. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to resolve the conflict on your own, or the conflict may escalate to a level that affects your work performance or well-being. In such cases, you may need to seek help from a third party, such as a supervisor, a mediator, or a human resources professional. By seeking help, you can get support, guidance, and intervention to deal with the conflict in a professional and respectful manner.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?