You can just picture people reading about the brawl between Young Jeezy and Rick Ross at the BET Hip Hop Awards. You’re sure they are thinking either “Can’t we all just get along?”  Or “Why do some people always have to ruin everything?”

There is always going to be conflict among people in the same industry or even at the same workplace. “Workplace conflicts are very common; there are very few offices where all the employees get along. Because of this, conflict resolution is a necessary component of the workplace, and those in a leadership position must be skilled in conflict resolution techniques,” according to a blog post on the University of Notre Dame‘s Mendoza College of Business blog. In fact, managers spend a  considerable about of time settling up interoffice conflicts, just like breaking up kids in the playground. “Notably, managers spend a minimum of 25 percent of their time settling conflict in the workplace, according to the University of Colorado Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Workplace conflict often stems from issues between employees within the company,”  states the Houston Chronicle.

There are various reasons for conflict, says the article, including: differing values, opposing interests, personality clashes, poor communication and personal problems.

But there are peaceful ways to resolve conflict. Here are some tips:
1)  Think Positive:  “First assume positive intent on the part of your co-worker. Seek to understand their perspective,” advises Mary-Frances Winters, president and founder of The Winters Group, an organization development and diversity-consulting firm.

2) Listen, Then Speak Out:  “Believe it or not, just listening to an employee’s issue is the first and most important step in resolving conflict. You should simply listen to all parties involved to completely understand the nature of conflict, and then start troubleshooting solutions,” notes Notre Dame.

3) Me, Me, Me:  “Use “I” language instead of ‘you’ language. Tell the other person how you feel…When you use you language you put the other person on the defensive,” Winters tells us via chat.

4) Don’t Delay:  “Address the conflict immediately. Otherwise, the situation could escalate and could affect employee performance. Just make sure not to address the situation too quickly or without careful consideration,” adds the Notre Dame blog.

5) Take  A Deep Breathe:  “Do not try to solve a conflict when you are emotionally upset. Wait until you have calmed down to have the discussion. Take a deep breath, go someplace else and collect your thoughts,” offers Winters.