6 Pro Tips for Managing Conflict on the Job
Try these proven strategies for preventing and resolving disputes and maintaining positive relationships
Whether it’s a misunderstanding with a customer or a disagreement with a team member, challenging situations are part of running a business. Of course, the best solution is to prevent them from happening in the first place. But if they do occur, the key is to resolve them with grace and dignity to ensure that you maintain positive business relationships and a successful reputation.
We asked three pros to share their proven techniques for managing unexpected disagreements so you can prepare yourself should they occur.
We asked three pros to share their proven techniques for managing unexpected disagreements so you can prepare yourself should they occur.
2. Take Time to Identify the Root Cause
Misunderstandings can occur for all sorts of reasons, not just the obvious ones. Rybchenko suggests it can often be ill-matched expectations or even stress outside the project. “I listen carefully to each perspective, ask open questions and make sure everyone feels heard. Empathy is powerful here: acknowledging someone’s feelings doesn’t mean you agree, but it creates the space for resolution.”
“The first thing to do when a problem arises is immediately acknowledge it, as well as acknowledging the frustration and inconvenience it causes,” Auzins says. “It’s generally good to avoid directly blaming someone as that can inflame the issue.”
“Seeking solutions suitable for both parties, showing compassion and expressing kindness is crucial,” Wawrzyniak says. “Also, apologizing where the apology is needed can improve further collaboration.”
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Misunderstandings can occur for all sorts of reasons, not just the obvious ones. Rybchenko suggests it can often be ill-matched expectations or even stress outside the project. “I listen carefully to each perspective, ask open questions and make sure everyone feels heard. Empathy is powerful here: acknowledging someone’s feelings doesn’t mean you agree, but it creates the space for resolution.”
“The first thing to do when a problem arises is immediately acknowledge it, as well as acknowledging the frustration and inconvenience it causes,” Auzins says. “It’s generally good to avoid directly blaming someone as that can inflame the issue.”
“Seeking solutions suitable for both parties, showing compassion and expressing kindness is crucial,” Wawrzyniak says. “Also, apologizing where the apology is needed can improve further collaboration.”
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3. Develop an Effective Negotiation Technique
From your body language to your tone of voice, developing flexible and respectful negotiation techniques can help you foster strong and trustworthy relationships. Calm and effective negotiation will enable you to identify the underlying issue quickly and find a favorable outcome for all parties involved, preventing any holdups with the project.
“In negotiations, I try to stay calm, respectful and open, even when the conversation is difficult,” Rybchenko says. “Flexibility and creativity often reveal solutions that aren’t immediately obvious — sometimes a compromise that looks impossible at first can become a win-win when you step back and reframe the problem. Finding a middle ground that protects everyone’s priorities is always my goal.”
Auzins also suggests that maintaining a calm demeanor is essential for a successful outcome. “Listen to all parties concerned, agree that an inconvenience has been caused, and focus on how everyone can get the best from the situation,” she suggests. “Sometimes it’s also good to acknowledge that things are fraught and take a break, agreeing when to reconvene.”
From your body language to your tone of voice, developing flexible and respectful negotiation techniques can help you foster strong and trustworthy relationships. Calm and effective negotiation will enable you to identify the underlying issue quickly and find a favorable outcome for all parties involved, preventing any holdups with the project.
“In negotiations, I try to stay calm, respectful and open, even when the conversation is difficult,” Rybchenko says. “Flexibility and creativity often reveal solutions that aren’t immediately obvious — sometimes a compromise that looks impossible at first can become a win-win when you step back and reframe the problem. Finding a middle ground that protects everyone’s priorities is always my goal.”
Auzins also suggests that maintaining a calm demeanor is essential for a successful outcome. “Listen to all parties concerned, agree that an inconvenience has been caused, and focus on how everyone can get the best from the situation,” she suggests. “Sometimes it’s also good to acknowledge that things are fraught and take a break, agreeing when to reconvene.”
4. Approach a Third Party for a Neutral Perspective
During professional conflicts, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from a neutral party, such as a mentor or fellow designer friend. “A neutral perspective on the scenario can take the pressure off,” Wawrzyniak says. “Instead of sending unprofessional emails in the heat of the moment, let your emotions fade and look at it from a fresh perspective.”
Rybchenko adds, “Bringing in a third party doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It shows a commitment to fairness and to preserving relationships.”
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During professional conflicts, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from a neutral party, such as a mentor or fellow designer friend. “A neutral perspective on the scenario can take the pressure off,” Wawrzyniak says. “Instead of sending unprofessional emails in the heat of the moment, let your emotions fade and look at it from a fresh perspective.”
Rybchenko adds, “Bringing in a third party doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It shows a commitment to fairness and to preserving relationships.”
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5. Always Follow Up to Ensure an Agreeable Outcome
Even if the conflict has been a difficult one, it’s crucial to follow up the dispute to ensure the resolution is satisfactory for all parties. Checking in also demonstrates your professionalism, which in turn shines a positive light on your business and reputation.
“I always follow up after a conflict has been resolved,” Rybchenko says. “A quick check-in — whether by email, call or in person — confirms that everyone is comfortable with the outcome and no residual tension remains. It also shows respect for the relationship and reinforces trust.”
“Following up a conflict in my opinion should be simple and straightforward, with the solution agreed [upon] and confirmed with all involved parties, and then move forward,” Auzins says.
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Even if the conflict has been a difficult one, it’s crucial to follow up the dispute to ensure the resolution is satisfactory for all parties. Checking in also demonstrates your professionalism, which in turn shines a positive light on your business and reputation.
“I always follow up after a conflict has been resolved,” Rybchenko says. “A quick check-in — whether by email, call or in person — confirms that everyone is comfortable with the outcome and no residual tension remains. It also shows respect for the relationship and reinforces trust.”
“Following up a conflict in my opinion should be simple and straightforward, with the solution agreed [upon] and confirmed with all involved parties, and then move forward,” Auzins says.
12 Ways to Ensure Customer Satisfaction
6. Reflect on the Situation to Learn and Grow
“Conflicts are inevitable,” Auzins says. “I’ve learned that having a very clear agreement always helps, and having open and frank discussions about budget from the very beginning sets the scene well. I’ve also discovered I can keep calm when things become fraught, and that it’s always better to deal with issues sooner rather than later. This applies to so many areas in life.”
“Conflicts have taught me to be more proactive about setting expectations, to listen before reacting and to trust that challenges can lead to better solutions,” Rybchenko says. “They’ve also deepened my appreciation for my team and clients: Every difficult moment we’ve faced together has strengthened our relationships and sharpened our processes. In many ways, conflicts remind me that design isn’t just about beautiful spaces — it’s about people, communication and collaboration.”
“If you don’t respect your own time, energy and skills, clients won’t either,” Wawrzyniak says. “Good working relationships are based on kindness and integrity. When these elements are not present on one or both sides, the relationship will not work and the situation can become toxic.”
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“Conflicts are inevitable,” Auzins says. “I’ve learned that having a very clear agreement always helps, and having open and frank discussions about budget from the very beginning sets the scene well. I’ve also discovered I can keep calm when things become fraught, and that it’s always better to deal with issues sooner rather than later. This applies to so many areas in life.”
“Conflicts have taught me to be more proactive about setting expectations, to listen before reacting and to trust that challenges can lead to better solutions,” Rybchenko says. “They’ve also deepened my appreciation for my team and clients: Every difficult moment we’ve faced together has strengthened our relationships and sharpened our processes. In many ways, conflicts remind me that design isn’t just about beautiful spaces — it’s about people, communication and collaboration.”
“If you don’t respect your own time, energy and skills, clients won’t either,” Wawrzyniak says. “Good working relationships are based on kindness and integrity. When these elements are not present on one or both sides, the relationship will not work and the situation can become toxic.”
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Houzz Pro Forum
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Whether you’re dealing with clients, colleagues, contractors or vendors, it’s essential to establish clear lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings.
Zlata Rybchenko, founder of Ohra Studio, believes transparency and clarity help to build trust and prevent misunderstandings before they even begin.
“Setting clear goals, budgets and timelines gives every party confidence that we’re working toward the same vision,” she says. “The Houzz Pro tool helps us make this even smoother — we can share proposals, track budgets and manage timelines in one place so nothing is left vague or open to misinterpretation. This level of organization not only keeps clients informed, it also reassures our team that we’re aligned at every step.”
Alicja Wawrzyniak of Alwa Interior Design Studio agrees that clarity generally prevents conflict. “Similar to your personal life, clarity in the professional field helps establish goals and expectations on both sides, reduces anxiety and ensures a project is stress free and more enjoyable. Lack of communication and avoiding updates can cause misunderstandings, which can quickly erupt into conflict.”
“Communication with builders is also crucial,” designer Anna Auzins of Anna Auzins Interiors says. “Contingency for surprises needs to be built in, such as a change to delivery times. I’ve never been involved in a project where something unexpected didn’t crop up.”
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