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10 Tips for Avoiding and Managing Conflicts with ColleaguesLike just about every work environment these days, our organization is comprised of talented individuals featuring a diverse range of personalities, backgrounds, life experiences, belief systems, opinions and habits. When you combine these differences with the occasional stress that comes with the territory in any meaningful job, conflicts between employees are likely to arise at some point. When you consider that you probably spend more time with your colleagues than members of your family, finding ways to deal with conflict is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive work environment – not to mention your sanity!Use the following tips to help you get along with your fellow employees and establish a more harmonious workplace:1. Stay positive: Your attitude will go a long way in determining how your colleagues perceive you. While you don’t necessarily have to be Mr. or Ms. Sunshine (unless that’s your natural personality), exhibiting a positive, approachable demeanor, especially during stressful times, can diffuse tension and even improve the mood of your coworkers.2. Be respectful: If you work in proximity to other employees, keep in mind that they might not share your idea of what constitutes a suitable work environment. For example, you might find playing music in the background to be relaxing, but it could also disrupt your coworkers’ concentration. 3. Don’t try to change anyone: Trying to change someone’s personality is an exercise in futility and can create a conflict that did not exist previously. A better approach is to try to accept your colleagues for who they are and do your best to adapt to their flaws and idiosyncrasies.4. Reach out: You might sense that a colleague you don’t know very well dislikes or resents you for some unknown reason. A simple act like inviting them to go to the breakroom with you for a cup of coffee can often break the ice without being threatening or confrontational in any way – and it might even help to change how they feel about you.5. Be proactive: Another good way to prevent a possible conflict with difficult colleagues is to subtly take charge of “managing” them. For instance, if you work with someone with a fragile ego and requires frequent praise to remain content, don’t hesitate to give it to them. You may have to swallow your pride, but it will go a long way toward maintaining a harmonious work environment.6. Avoid factions: Factions or “cliques” where workers form small, exclusive social groups are common in many workplaces. These groups often develop an “us against them” mentality that can have a divisive influence. If you sense that members of a clique are attempting to “recruit” you or are expecting you to align with them, politely – but firmly – decline by indicating that you value working with everyone on your team.7. Don’t sweat the little things: Before reacting to a statement or action by a colleague that annoys you, take the time to think before you do or say anything. Ask yourself, “Is this really worth getting upset about?” For example, it’s not the end of the world if a coworker parks his car in your usual space on a given day or neglects to put paper in the copier when the tray is empty. It’s probably not worth igniting a potential feud that disrupts your work area or might cause you to lose your job if the situation escalates.8. Have a face-to-face conversation: If you’re already engaged in a dispute with a coworker – perhaps you’ve had an argument about the best way to execute a shared project or whose responsibility it is to perform a certain task – attempt to resolve the issue by sitting down in a private setting for a one-on-one conversation. Don’t be confrontational: state your point of view calmly and rationally and listen attentively to your colleague’s perspective. Look for a middle ground that is satisfactory to both of you.9. Don’t try to settle things by email: You might be tempted to try to resolve a dispute via email. The problem with this communication method is that your coworker could misinterpret what you’re attempting to convey, which could escalate the situation. Email is also too impersonal and does not allow you to use your voice and body language for emphasis.10. Know when to ask for help: There are times when a conflict can move beyond a basic disagreement or misunderstanding between two people. Prime examples are when one employee is sexually harassing or bullying another, or when threats of violence are involved. Our organization has resources available that can assist you in these situations – we encourage you to reach out for help if you need it. ................
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