ADDING VALUE: Workplace Conflict Management
Workplace conflict is pretty common. Hey - we can't all get along, can we?
How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
Some have a war of words. Some give the cold shoulder. Some try to sabotage their co-workers. Others just try to ignore the situation and hope it goes away.
There's a better way to deal with workplace conflict, however - and that's to tackle it like a professional:
Private conversation.
Find out why your adversary is your adversary. Ask him/her why s/he
has issues with you. Express your concerns, as well. Remember that
when you have this private conversation, the one who remains the most
calm wins.
Speak to their
interests. Propose a resolution to your nemesis in a way that
speaks to his/her interests. If s/he is most concerned about moving
ahead, for instance, then might mention management has noticed the
workplace conflict and that it could affect his/her career.
Get buy in. Don't
leave the private conversation without your adversary agreeing to
back off the workplace conflict. Sell the workplace conflict
resolution as being in the best interest of both of you.
If that doesn't work...
If, after trying a professional approach – one that appeals to
his/her best interests – the workplace conflict doesn't end, then
you might try to simply avoid that co-worker, or have other
co-workers run interference between the two of you. Last case
scenario, ask a neutral party to mediate a discussion between the two
of you.
IN THE CARAVAN: Try to handle workplace conflict directly by addressing the situation one-on-one. If you don't get anywhere, then get a mediator.
NEXT WEDNESDAY: The Next Ten Irrefutable Laws of Unemployment
Check out last Wednesday's posts:
ADDING VALUE: Why You Need to Start a Side Business
ADDING VALUE: Side Business Myths (Supplemental)
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