text by Cheng Tuck Siung (Melchizedek
Consultancy)
WORKPLACE CONFLICTS
Conflicts at the
workplaces are common. While some are tolerable, other conflicts,
if left to fester, can damage productivity and reduce job
satisfaction. Anticipate and minimize their occurrences, and
resolve conflicts as soon as possible.
Admit your Mistakes like a
Man
Despite our best intentions, we make mistakes
from time to time. It is always tempting to shift the blame or make
excuses but the question is: Just whom are you trying to kid at the
end of the day? A frank confession clears the air and fosters
comradeship. Likewise, if you are the offended party, be ever ready
to forgive slights; else it will show the world just how petty you
can really be.
Know Your Job Role
Well
Conflicts sometimes arise due to poor role
definitions and inadequate communication. Ideally, job roles should
be specific and tasks assigned accordingly. If you are not in a
position to enforce this, have some form of understanding among the
team members on individual roles and accountabilities before
commencing on the project. You will be surprised at how this simple
tip can be so effective in preventing future potential
conflicts.
Watch That
Tongue
Office gossips are hard to resist but will
inevitably cause hurt or distress to the offended individuals. Make
it a point not to trade information on the grapevine and do not
spread tales. Rumours, especially those about some unpopular
individuals, tend to spread quickly even without your help. The
last thing you need to have is a collection of enemies to make your
work life more challenging than it already is. If you are embroiled
in a sensitive situation or controversial issue such as a
discussion about politics or religion, always use tactful words and
respond diplomatically.
Negotiate, not
Argue
As part of a company’s check-and-control
procedure, it is not surprising for both teams and individuals to
have conflicting agenda. Individuals need to cooperate, build
trust, and focus on the final desired outcome instead of dwelling
on petty arguments. Team leaders can help to minimize
inter-department rivalry by agreeing to a set of pre-defined sales
territories, or a process to handle conflicts should they arise.
This may involve the use of proven negotiation techniques,
mediation by a neutral party, or even arbitration as a last
resort.
Manners and Social
Customs
Formalities and observed customs are
necessary for harmonious interpersonal relationships, and the
ability to conduct oneself appropriately is a must for today’s
successful executives. Most of us work within a social setting, and
we need to deal with customers, vendors, supervisors, and
co-workers on a regular basis. The display of appropriate manners
and courtesy will demonstrate our respect and consideration for the
other party and they will, in turn, accord us with similar respect
and courtesy.
Know Thyself and Thy
Enemies
A good understanding about the person you are
dealing with can help you to minimize workplace conflicts. Some
individuals have the uncanny ability to irritate us past our limits
but remember that there are always better ways than a punch to
handle these ‘difficult’ individuals. For instance, if you are
dealing with someone who is naturally hostile, always be firm and
back your actions and decisions so that you can withstand the
challenges directed by aggressive or hostile co-workers. However,
when dealing with someone that complains excessively, acknowledge
their feelings and help them to locate the real problem that is
distressing them, all without losing your cool if you are not the
person causing them their misery.
There are always conflicts at work. Minimise
or avoid them wherever possible!
A B O U T T H E A U T H O R
This article is written and contributed by
Cheng Tuck Siung who is the founder and Principal Trainer of
Melchizedek Consultancy (www.mczd.com). If you have any
career-related questions for him or would like to know more about
the events they will be organizing, please send them to
[email protected]