Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM February 2020 | Page 30
HR CORNER
NICOLE BELLOW, DBA, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Sr. Human Resources Consultant
Smarter HR Solutions, LLC
713-999-1205 | [email protected]
www.smarterhrsolutions.com
SIX TIPS
for Ending Interpersonal
Conflicts in the Workplace
W
ith the beginning of a new year, we
want to start it off on the right foot.
With staff joining or leaving, increased
workload, and changes to employment
laws, there are sure to be some
conflicts in the workplace. Sometimes conflict can arise
in the workplace due to company changes, employees
displaying negative attitudes with others or simply just
personal issues that have spilled into an employee’s
work life. Hopefully, with these six tips we can help your
company have a great 2020!
1. Focus on what you want to happen, but not based on
your feelings. An emotional response will be your first
instinct, but it’s best to not act on it immediately. Try
to keep your focus on what’s necessary to do the job
and not people’s emotions.
2. Be assertive. You can’t expect someone to know
what’s going on with you. It’s best to be upfront
and let your coworker or manager know that you’re
having a bad day or that something is bothering you.
Try not to project your negativity on other people.
3. Give and request feedback. When it comes to giving
and receiving feedback you must be open. If you ask
an employee or
coworker how
you’re doing be
open to hearing
the truth. If you
don’t want to
know the truth,
it’s best to not ask
at all. However,
knowing the
truth helps us
to develop
and improve
ourselves.
Remember,
when giving
constructive
criticism be
mindful of telling
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someone the truth without being harsh.
4. Model the type of behavior you want. Behavior is
something that is often imitated, so when it comes
to it, it’s best to model the behavior you want to see
from your employees. Don’t model the opposite of
what you want to see and expect great results from
your employees.
5. Deal directly and discreetly. If you’re ever in a
situation where someone angers you in a public
setting, try your best not to respond in that same
manner. In this situation, it is best to approach them
privately and explain how that made you feel and
hopefully there can be some form of understanding
or resolution.
6. Always document. Anytime there is any form of
conflict, no matter how small the issue is, always
document what is going on. Also, if you’re an
employee that is responsible for
others, make sure to always document those
conversations. This can come in handy and serve well as
an opportunity for personal growth as well as in creating
an action plan for disciplinary reasons.
Please remember when dealing with conflict to
be gracious.
Sometimes people
can be rude but try
to maintain your
graciousness. Two
people screaming at
each other is usually
a recipe for disaster.
Like they say, “you
catch more bees
with honey.” Also,
you never know
what someone is
going through or
their mental state
so remain calm, be
kind and not give
them what they give
you.