Office relationships can make or break a company. When an office staff is dynamic and congruent, the sky is the limit. The atmosphere generates an environment of camaraderie, teamwork and success. When it's the opposite, it can make an office a toxic place to work, and it can ultimately bring the office down. What can you do when office relationships turn negative? How do you handle office staff conflict?
I think one key to dealing with office conflict is to remember your high school Driver's Ed principles. What do I mean?
- When you wade into an employee conflict situation, you need to buckle up. In a car, the seat belt is there to protect you in the event of a crash. Office conflict can be rough terrain, but it can be navigated to a smooth conclusion.
- Check all of your mirrors to see what's behind you. A conflict rarely erupts on the spur of the moment. More often, there has been precipitating events that have generated an explosive environment. If they are dealt with early, they may avoid a wreck.
- Look both ways, and then look again. A conflict is seldom one-sided. An individual will not get into a conflict with himself. Every conflict has at least two people. Each one has a story. There is truth somewhere in the midst of all of the information. It is never wise to make a conclusion until all the facts are heard. Once you have all of the information, you can make a decision from that knowledge, and not from emotion.
- Be patient and proceed with caution. When emotions are ignited in conflict, it takes a while for those involved to settle down long enough to listen to reason and wisdom. Be patient.
- Yield the right of away and follow all signs. Always pick the right way. Siding with one angry co-worker over another is a dangerous road to travel. Let the story unfold and make a decision based upon the facts.
- Begin braking before you get to the stop. Make sure you slow the intensity down before you call for a stop. An offended co-worker may need a little more time to cool off before the offending co-worker. You want to resolve the problem, but do it so that every one comes out feeling like they have had their issues addressed.
- In a worst case scenario, stop the ride. You may have to let a divisive colleague go. The health of any office is greater than an individual (even though you want to make every worker an integral part of your team).
Office relationships can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your working career. When workers gel, it can be fantastic. When they don't, it can be a nightmare. Keeping office relationships healthy can mean a great exerpience for clients and workers. When relationships get in trouble, refer to Driver's Ed.
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