How to Approach Workplace Conflict
Workplace conflict is inevitable. While that may sound dire, don’t be scared! That means you’re not alone–everyone has gone through what you’re experiencing, and you now have the opportunity to turn to their wisdom. Resolving workplace conflict is something you can prepare for in advance, which will help you to both calm your nerves and maintain that calmness. That’s why today we’re highlighting these methods from experts on how to keep your cool amidst any workplace conflict:
Caitlin Flynn at Bustle offers up this excellent way to prep: “Don’t Gossip About The Conflict. When you’re clashing with a coworker, venting to your work wife may feel satisfying in the moment — but office gossip has the potential to backfire really quickly. First of all, there are ears everywhere, and you’ll rightfully look unprofessional if anyone overhears you badmouthing a colleague. Secondly, it’s unfair to the person you’re having conflict with, because everyone still has to work together (including your friend, who is getting unfairly stuck in the middle of all of this). Plus, who wants a rep as the person at work who talks trash about everyone else? We all need to vent after a tough work day, but when the problem is a colleague conflict, try to call a friend or family member once you’re home instead of letting off steam in the break room.” Make sure you are keeping your workplace conversations professional! Speaking poorly of a co-worker to your other colleagues will reflect badly on you–it’ll give off a negative attitude to those around you. Keep your cool in your workplace by taking time to create a game plan in a different space.
By following this advice from the pros at Indeed, you’ll both get a headstart on future professional interview preparation and an example of a great outlook to adopt for navigating workplace conflict. They start by posing a common interview question: “How do you deal with conflict? To answer this question successfully, assure your interviewer that you are a good listener who can accept opposing views without getting upset. You could also mention how conflict resolution should take place in a private space. Aim to provide an example if possible. Example: ‘I actively readjust my attitude during a conflict situation. This means that I strive to listen to the other person’s point of view without becoming defensive. I also attempt to move the confrontation to a private space to avoid further complications.’” Keeping your attitude in check is essential; as you learn new information about a situation, know that it’s okay–and may be necessary–to admit to your own mistakes when addressing those of a co-worker. It can be difficult, and even disrespectful, to have your resolution conversation with your colleague in front of everyone in the office. Make sure you’re paying attention to the external environment in addition to monitoring your internal circumstances when building up your calmness.
Let cooler heads prevail. Doing so will allow you to approach resolving any interpersonal work conflicts on an even keel. Remember to keep your personal opinions of co-workers to yourself until you’re in a personal space. And make sure to remain flexible. Join us again tomorrow for more sayings to help you keep your professional cool even in the summer heat.
This posting is brought to you by Contemporaries Inc., one of the best temp agencies in Boston MA. Also available for payrolling employees in Boston and Greater Boston
Recent Posts
Lighting The Way In Your Professional Environment
Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful long weekend. After that extra day of rest, we’re re-charged and ready to provide you with our latest round of tips and tricks for personal and professional success. In honor of Presidents’ Day (as well as the spring that is...
Learning About Black History Boston’s Landscape
Happy Friday! Today we’re closing out the week by looking at even more ways to honor Black History Month, focusing especially at the local level. History exists beyond the pages of textbooks; while “history” may concern things that happened in the past, it’s necessary...
Supporting Black-Owned Small Businesses in Boston
In continuing our special focus on honoring Black History Month, today we’re turning to the City of Boston’s Office of Economic Development’s list of more than 500 Black and Brown-owned businesses throughout Boston. List includes everything from restaurants to...
Drawing Insights From Local Arts and Culture
While our blog typically focuses on tips and tricks for professional success, we know that you have a life outside of your workplace. Which is why today we’re encouraging you to establish a work-life balance in the here and now that honors Black History Month. Below...
Honoring Black History Month
Welcome back! It’s February, and that means that it’s Black History Month. We firmly believe that diversity strengthens the capacities of organizations, as differences of attributes and experiences broaden knowledge bases across workplace communities. This week our...
Feel Good Friday: Cozy
Happy Friday! We’re finishing off the week with one final look at ways to adopt a mental framework that ensures you’re experiencing a maximum sense of comfort with yourself in your workplace and beyond. Being confident in yourself and your abilities is a surefire way...
Finding Your Fit In A New Professional Environment
Today, as part of this week’s focus on feeling cozy no matter your surroundings, we’re focusing on feeling comfortable as a new employee in any professional environment—though you can also apply these tips even if you’re remaining in the same company while taking on a...
Wednesday Wellness: Cozy
Welcome to the week’s midpoint! Today we’re considering “cozy” in terms of being comfortable with yourself. This will allow you to build up your confidence, which will enhance your workplace performance and enable you to feel equipped in seeking to make strides...
Achieving Workplace Comfort For Yourself And Others
Today we’re considering being cozy in your workplace in terms of not just adjusting and settling in but as maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for both yourself and others. Establishing appropriate professional boundaries is a key step in that process. This...
Monday Mood Booster: Cozy
Welcome back! With this week’s snowy forecast, winter is definitely here. These are days to focus on getting comfortable—though not complacent. And we’re talking about cozy not just within the context of fireplaces and warm beverages, but also with regards to getting...
Feel Good Friday: Compassion
Happy Friday! As the week comes to a close, make sure you’re treating yourself with compassion in acknowledging and celebrating the fact that you’ve made it all the way to today. You’ve overcome all the challenges life has thrown at you this week, and in the days and...
Compassionate Self-Care In Any Context
Continuing this week’s focus on practicing self-compassion by addressing mental health concerns that arise in the workplace (and/or beyond, especially if you are someone who our present, unprecedented circumstances have caused to be out of work at present), today...
Practicing Compassion in Your Workplace and Beyond
These unprecedented times offer up unique challenges, no matter whether you’re working from home, in-person, or in between jobs--and each of those circumstances then produce their own obstacles. Amidst whatever situation you find yourself in, a necessary component of...
Monday Mood Booster: Compassion
Welcome back! This week our focus is on compassion. We encourage you to both practice self-compassion as well as engaging in an empathetic approach towards others. We know that even though the days are getting brighter for longer, it can still be a struggle to...