Tackling conflict

Topic: Tackling conflict

We discussed Tackling
Conflict In The Workplace in
previous lessons.
A leader or manager will have
to deal with difficult
colleagues, managers and
staff members at different
points in their career. If conflict is not resolved and is
allowed to fester, matters will deteriorate,
performances will be affected.
Dealing with a difficult colleague
Try to ignore them if at all possible. If not then try to
work around them. If that isn’t possible, you may need
to tackle the issue yourself, maybe with some
assistance from like-minded colleagues. If all else fails
you must take the issue to management and let them
deal with it in the interest of making the atmosphere
better for the team. They will want to ensure
performance is optimised, and peace reigns.
Dealing with a difficult manager
Consider this question – Why are they being difficult
with you? Why are you two not getting on? Maybe it is
you that is the problem?
Is there an issue with your performance or their
expectations of you? You need to make sure you are
above reproach before you challenge them about their
behaviour.
Are they difficult with everyone? Perhaps it is just their
manner, or maybe they have problems at home- marital
problems, an ill relative, dependent parents. Perhaps
some understanding from you would be helpful, instead
of antagonism.
Perhaps they are under pressure to achieve targets, or
are overworked, and they need more from you to reduce
their workload
Think about all these issues and confirm to yourself
that their behaviour is unreasonable. If so, then have a
chat with them. Tell them how you feel, in an open,
unemotional way, explain the problem, and the
resolution you propose. You may find they have not
appreciated the problem you were facing or how you
felt.
Be aware – After this things may improve, but the
danger is that they could seriously deteriorate. You may
have to make some adjustments, or find yourself a new
job, either because they are unwilling to change, or you
have offended them and made the situation untenable.
Dealing with a difficult staff member
As a manager, if there is someone in your team who is
causing conflict, you must address the situation. If it
is not dealt with, matters may deteriorate, morale and
performance could be affected.
As always first consider the situation-
Is the team member aware they are causing conflict?
Or are they unaware their behaviour is causing a
problem. Will a quiet word with them suffice? Can you
get them to change their behaviour?
How has the problem arisen? Communication failure,
poor training, poor management?
Think the issue through, collect some facts, gather
information and observe the person. Develop an action
plan in your mind, and deal with the problem
sensitively, giving feedback appropriately. Ideally they
will acknowledge their part in the problem and work
with you to get back on track. If not, you may need to
consider termination of their contract.