How To Reduce Employee Conflicts

Are some members of your team at odds with each other? Don't turn a blind eye - conflicts rarely improve when left alone.

Angst among individuals affects everyone. Tempers rise when team members dislike each other. Unresolved conflicts can take up to 50% of employee's mental energy and drastically hinder performance.

Here are 5 useful tips to help you address workplace tensions:

1. Say something!
   
   Comment on what you see happening. Be descriptive versus judgmental. "I notice you reacted strongly to Jay's comments." Simply noticing alerts individuals to their behaviour. Often this is enough to motivate change.
   
   
2. Question
   
   If step one doesn't work, pursue the issue with a question such as, "What is going on between you and Gloria?". Questions give individuals a chance to acknowledge their concerns. Keep your questions focused on what the individual can do to improve the situation. Avoid joining in.
   
   
3. Sort it out between themselves
   
   If the problem persists, encourage both parties to talk without you and come up with a solution. Say, "I want you to meet with Jay and resolve this. Let me know what you decide to do."
   
   
4. Sort it out with you
   
   If there is still no resolution, invite individuals to meet with you and hammer out a solution. Be a neutral third party. Allow each side to air their opinions and feelings. Reflect their concerns. Avoid taking sides. Negotiate an agreement that's workable.
   
   
5. Change or remove
   
   Finally, if tensions continue and solutions fail, find a structural solution. Either change the roles of the people involved or remove players from direct contact. Insist on finding a workable solution.

Tell individuals you care. Get involved to create harmony and better performance!

Faith Ralston, Ph.D. is a professional speaker and leadership coach. She is the author of ‘Play Your Best Hand’ and creator of ‘Play to Your Strengths® Talent System’ for leaders and teams. She helps bold leaders achieve big visions by using their best talents. Sign up for Faith's ‘Bold Leader’ newsletter at www.faithralston.com and contact her at faith@faithralston.com
First published: 27 June 2008.
Last updated: 27 June 2008.