All managers have to spend time dealing with conflict.  For any conflict, there are three questions that all managers should ask themselves before trying to solve the issue.

Who is involved in the conflict?

Is it a couple of individuals, or a whole team infighting.  Is it a rivalry between teams or even departments?  It is essential that the manager pinpoints everyone who is involved in the conflict, and knows whether they are acting as an individual or part of a group.

Why is there a conflict?

Is the problem a personal one?  Is it simply a matter of someone not getting on with someone else?  Or is it professional?  Is someone not doing the work required?  Is a team hindering the work of another team for no reason?

How serious is the conflict?

Is the result of the conflict two people not talking to each other?  Will it hinder the productivity of the people involved?  Is it going to end up as a shouting match?  Are teams going to get up in arms and go complaining about each other to HR and higher ups at the company?  Can it be solved by people talking?  Or is there a deep seated problem that cannot just be solved by talk?

Related posts:

1. Dealing With Conflict - How Can You Affect The Other Person?
2. Managing Training
3. How to Plan Effective Meetings

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