As Managers a great deal of our time is taken up with employee counseling, and corporate infighting. You will never be able to completely stop it in any company with more than two employees. However, there are some proven methods in dealing with and overcoming conflicts in the workplace:
 

• Get to the root: As with any problem we encounter in our professional careers, if you just smooth things over, the overall problem could remain and resurface at a later, and perhaps more inopportune time.
• See it from their side: Every story has two sides. To solve the problem efficiently, you will have to put yourself in their place and see it from their side as well. “Because I said so” may work with children, but not professional adults.
• Finding a workable solution: It is your job as a manager to counsel your employees through these difficult issues. You have to take the time to really understand the issue. Many managers say they have an open door policy, but their subordinates know the moment they walk through that door there will be a cost. They must have confidence you will be judicious and confidential when called upon to do so.
• Going around the mountain: Sometimes we climb mountains we would be better off going around. The key is knowing when and how to do that.
• Reconciliation: No matter who is involved in the conflict, they will have to be able to work together going forward. You have to do more as a manager than say “OK, I guess that settles it then…” Now back to work! You as a responsible manager will have to take the extra steps needed to accomplish this goal.

Contact Campbell White to schedule conflict resolution training today