08th Feb 2008
Conflict in the Workplace
I’ve had some Internet connectivity problems recently, and now have a bit of a backlog of posts.
It’s not shocking that Workplace conflict takes toll on workers, but oddly enough many managers do not regard it as part of their job to evaluate and mediate workplace conflicts.
Advice to managers: Find a way to help your employees manage their conflicts with others. This is part of your job.
“Much and more-deserved attention is being given to workplace hostility,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer at the Chicago-based outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray and Christmas.
When managers let co-worker conflicts continue, the results can be, “disastrous,” he said.
A survey conducted by the Society for Human Management found personality conflicts were the cause behind 51 percent off all workplace violence.
That seems like something you’d want to pay attention to as a manager.
A good manager will make strides to make every employee feel as though they matter and that their concerns are being taken seriously. They will address rumors effectively, make sure that competent people are hired, and ensure those competent people hire OTHER competent people.
Incompetent bosses hire incompetent bosses who hire incompetent underlings.
You think? I’ve known some folks who were pretty awful as bosses, but could make good hires to cover for them. I do think that an bosses need to listen to concerns about conflict though. Interpersonal issues are very important in the workplace, though they are often ignored in favor of “business”.