One of the most valuable services HR professionals can perform is helping other employees resolve their conflicts.
Conflict itself is not necessarily negative. From different points of view, breakthrough ideas or strategies can be found. Synergies can be developed. Wounds can be healed.
Too often, however, workplace conflict becomes destructive. Communication breaks down. Trust erodes. Employees engage in passive or active aggression. The parties to the conflict suffer. And there is collateral damage to other employees, as well as to the company.
