Employees in the same workplace can often create discord through personal disagreements. Chances are that if you notice tension between employees, others within the office will too. Workplace discord comes in many forms, yet there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with it. Such conflict not only threatens productivity, but creates tension in an environment that contributes to poor morale, absenteeism and even lower rates of employee retention. What can you do?
A good manager should have the leadership skills required to handle discord in the workplace. They should not turn a blind eye, but look for solutions to create harmony through further discussion and dialogue. They must do their best to defuse the matter, and not take sides. In other words, diagnose the root cause and find out why co-workers are in conflict with each another. Such issues, when not addressed, can fester over time and breed hostility.
For the best results, a manager should eliminate all personal emotions from the situation so as to achieve an unbiased outcome. While it is impossible to prepare for every potential conflict, the practices listed below can help avoid and resolve common workplace clashes.
Professionalism: Do not avoid dialogue. True leaders listen to employees and allow them to speak. Employees are more likely to co-operate when they are being listened to, which helps to resolve the issue more quickly.
Lead by example: Avoid the temptation to respond with anger when facing warring staff. If you feel that your judgment may be skewed towards an employee, seek a confidant’s input as an objective opinion can help.
Another key to eliminating discord in a workplace is to give disgruntled employees space to discover the basis upon which their dispute was founded. Encourage an employee to employ their autonomy and create space to freely find what they can collaborate on together, if possible. This ensures that all parties understand each other’s perspectives on what has caused their feud such that they strike a balance and move forward on any shared challenge.
It is almost impossible to make people do anything they do not want to, or accept a situation they do not wish to accept. Conflict within the workplace, or even between two people, is inevitable. But understanding its cause and working to reduce the conflict is the job of a leader.
Whatever the case, a company wants to hire employees who are able to connect with its vision away from conflict. And it is expected that they show up to do great work, respect co-workers and share in the company’s success. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.
NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com
About Columnist: Deidre M. Bastian is a professionally-trained graphic designer/brand marketing analyst, author and certified life coach
Commenting has been disabled for this item.