Interpersonal Issues
When it happens in the workplace, it can reduce productivity and make a dent in morale.
It takes on the shape that one person, or a group of people, frustrates or hampers another person or group's efforts at achieving a goal. This isn’t always done on purpose.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- Policy Conflicts: disagreements about how to deal with a situation that affects both parties.
- Value Conflicts: they are typically pretty difficult to resolve because they are more ingrained.
- Ego Conflicts: losing an argument, or being thought of as wrong, can actually damage a person’s self-esteem. This is like a power struggle.
- Frustration and stress
- Misunderstandings
- Lack of planning
- Bad staff selection
- Poor Communication
- Acknowledge the conflict and look at it objectively.
- Open up the lines of communication and approach the conflict in the spirit of collaboration.
- Focus on the problem, not the other person.
- Stick to the facts.
- Meet face to face. It’s difficult to truly address a conflict virtually.
- Pick your battles. There’s only so much we can do.
- Make a decision and act on it.
RELATED IDEAS
Conflict in the workplace is unavoidable. While you can try and avoid conflict (bad idea), you cannot escape conflict.
The ability to recognize conflict, understand the nature of conflict, and to be able to bring swift and just resolution to conflict will serve you well as a leader.
- Work style differences - Some people work quickly, while others like the rush of waiting till the deadline is looming.
- Background differences – gender, ethnicity, social economic status, political views, and religious backgrounds can cause people to view situations with different perspectives.
- Attitude differences – cynicism, arrogance, and irritability all contribute to an attitude of negativity.
- Competitive versus cooperative differences.
- Using a One-Size-Fits-All Communication Approach. Tailor the communication style to the intended audience.
- Speaking More and Listening Less. Listen to what is said, how it is said, and to what is not said.
- Assuming Instead of Asking More Questions.
- Using Negative Tone. Choose words carefully to eliminate negative reactions.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations.
Reacting, Not Responding.
Not Keeping an Open Mind. Accept and respect differences, listen without judgment and consider all sides of an issue.