Workplace Conflicts
You and a coworker both arrive at the copy machine at the same time and need to print something.
Offer to take turns or ask who needs it first.
A pencil is dropped on the floor between you and another student.
Ask if the pencil is their's. Grab it for them.
You bump into a friend and they drop the books and folders they were holding.
Stay calm and pick them up together.
You and your sibling both want the last slice of pizza.
Split it or decide fairly who gets it.
Two people try to go through a door at the same time.
Offer to let the other person go through first. Take turns.
A coworker misunderstands something you said and thinks you were criticizing their work.
Explain what you meant and clear up the misunderstanding.
During a group project, one student interrupts others and won’t let anyone share ideas.
Take action and ask for others to share their ideas. Politely ask for the student to let others share.
Your friend interrupts you while you’re telling a story.
Politely ask them to let you finish.
You and a family member disagree about what movie to watch together.
Take turns choosing movies or agree on one you both like.
Someone drops their wallet near you in a store and doesn’t notice.
Politely let them know or hand it back to them.
A coworker sends you a rude message, but you're not sure if they are just joking.
Ask them calmly what they meant before assuming the worst.
You are studying in a group, but one person keeps joking around and distracting everyone.
Politely ask them to focus or move somewhere quieter to study.
Your friend cancels plans with you at the last minute.
Ask what the reason for canceling is. If it was serious, be understanding. If it wasn't and they're just flaking, tell them how you feel.
You and a family member disagree about what chores each person should do.
Talk about the responsibilities and agree on a fair plan.
Someone bumps into you in a crowded hallway and keeps walking.
Stay calm and continue on without starting an argument.
A coworker keeps playing loud music on their phone while you’re trying get your work done.
Ask them them to lower the volume or use headphones.
DAILY DOUBLE!
Your team cannot decide how to finish a group project and time is running out. The ideas are too different for a simple compromise!
Ask a teacher to help guide the group to a solution.
A friend doesn't include you in plans made with others.
Talk to them honestly about how you feel. Understand if they just want space.
Arguments keep happening in your household about chores and responsibilities.
Have a family discussion to set clear expectations and roles.
Someone is sitting in your seat at the movies you have a ticket for.
Politely ask them to move and show them your ticket. Make sure you're at the right seat.
You have already talked with a coworker several times about a disagreement over responsibilities, but the problem continues and they expect you to cover their shift.
Ask a supervisor or manager to help resolve the situation.
A classmate incorrectly believes you copied their answers on a test and becomes angry.
Calmly explain your thinking and talk through the misunderstanding. Show your work.
A disagreement between two of your friends is creating tension in your friend group, and both ask you to take their side.
Stay neutral and encourage them to talk directly with each other to resolve the conflict.
You feel frustrated because a family member often makes decisions that affect you without asking for your opinion.
Calmly explain how you feel and ask if you can be included in discussions in the future.
Two strangers next you are getting into a heated argument and you think it's going to escalate to a fight.
Calmly and safely distance yourself from the fight. Avoid getting involved.