What is the first step of resolving conflict among peers?

• A. Identify Parties
• B. Establish Ground Rules
• C. Define Conflict
• D. Seek Mediation

Answer: (C)

Starting with clearly defining the conflict is essential because you can’t fix a problem you can’t describe. When everyone agrees on what the issue actually is—what happened, who is involved, and what’s at stake—you establish a single, concrete focus for the resolution. This prevents drifting into personality clashes or chasing symptoms rather than the real cause, and it helps align everyone on safety, procedures, and objectives.

In practice, you’d state the exact point of disagreement, reference the applicable procedures or standards, and note the potential impacts on work quality or timeliness. With that shared understanding, you can move on to determine who is involved, set expectations for communication, and seek mediation if needed, all guided by a specific, well-defined issue rather than vague tension.