What is a good way to encourage two people to resolve an interpersonal conflict?

• A. Assign them to work together until they learn to get along.
• B. Speak to each one separately and note it on their record.
• C. Change their assignments so they will no longer have to work together.
• D. Have them describe specific examples of their concerns to each other to try to work out the problem together.

Answer: (D)

Direct, constructive dialogue between the two individuals, focusing on concrete, specific concerns, is the most effective way to resolve interpersonal conflict. When they describe particular examples of what each person did or said, the issue becomes observable and tangible rather than a vague sense of friction. This helps both parties understand exactly how actions impacted workflows, safety, and animal care, which sets a clear basis for mutual accountability and finding practical solutions. They can then discuss possible changes in behavior, communication norms, or processes that would prevent similar issues in the future, and agree on how to move forward together.

Relying on punishment or avoidance tends to backfire. Forcing them to work together without addressing the underlying concerns can increase tension and reduce collaboration. Talking to each person separately and recording it is punitive and fails to build the shared understanding necessary for resolution. Changing assignments to avoid the conflict merely hides the problem and can disrupt essential team functioning and animal care.

So, describing specific concerns to each other to work through the problem together directly engages them in resolving the issue in a constructive, collaborative way.