18 | FOREVER Keele
ALUMNI ON THE THEME OF WELLBEING
Overcoming conflict in the workplace
Allegra Stone ( nee Etheridge ) studied English and Psychology at Keele , 1991-1994 , and today supports organisations with workplace mediation and coaching .
Experiencing conflict at work can be toxic for mental ( and sometimes physical ) health and is likely to lead to stress , sleepless nights and anxiety . Conflict can happen at anytime , anywhere in any organisation – even between people who you would normally consider get on well .
As a workplace mediator , it ’ s my role to stop the stress cycle for those who feel stuck in a challenging relationship with a co-worker . When I was a student at Keele University studying English and Psychology , I had no idea that this would be my career thirty years later ! However , after seeing the positive transformation a clear conversation can provide , I have been drawn to this work as my vocation .
Whether you may be experiencing a conflict yourself , or if you are supporting someone else who is involved with one , I have some learning to share .
• Firstly , act quickly . The longer the conflict goes on , the worse it is for the employees and the organisation . It can cause a loss of time , costs and productivity . Be brave and walk into that discomfort ; have that conversation about the issue at the next available opportunity .
• Reject blame . It may seem impossible when you reflect on the behaviours of another person , but I believe that everyone ( yes , everyone !) intends to do the right thing . They may make mistakes , misunderstand and subsequently let you down - but this is usually unintentional ; nobody ’ s perfect .
• Poor communication is at the bottom of all relationship challenges . Carefully creating a safe space where misunderstandings and perspectives can be explored allows this to be exposed and resolved .