Final answer:
To handle being at odds with a coworker, one should communicate carefully, stay calm, listen to the other side, ask open-ended questions, restate to affirm understanding, focus on solving the problem, and seek a supervisor or HR's help if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with being at odds with a coworker, it's crucial to approach the situation with a strategy that promotes understanding and resolution. The first step is to choose your words carefully to prevent escalating the conflict. Remaining calm and being willing to listen allows for the open exchange of perspectives. One should avoid asserting their rightness and, instead, maintain an open and respectful dialogue. To facilitate this, asking open-ended questions can provide insight into the coworker's viewpoint. It's also helpful to restate what the other person has said to ensure your understanding is correct and to affirm that their stance has been heard.
Shifting the focus from assigning blame to problem-solving is important in achieving a peaceful resolution. If the conflict cannot be resolved amicably between the individuals involved, seeking guidance from a supervisor or the HR department may be necessary. These steps not only apply to workplace disputes but are also relevant to tackling conflicts arising from different beliefs, values, opinions, and actions within any collaborative setting.