Ever gotten into a heated or uncomfortable situation with a work colleague? Here are a few tips for smoothing things over:
- Take inventory: Before approaching your co-worker or boss, take stock of how you are feeling. Try to put away those negative, angry energy and check it at the door. Before you attempt to resolve a dispute, you should be in the calmest state your body will allow. This will permit you to think clearly & communicate clearly your tone with body language.
- Don’t make assumptions: Before approaching your co-worker or boss, check your assumptions at the door. Likely, the issue you are experiencing is not one that was done out of malice or spite on the behalf of the other party.
- Watch your language: Practicing what & how you’ll say to your colleague in front of a mirror. Practicing what you want to say helps you deliver a clear message and doing so in front of a mirror will also allow you to keep a close watch on the body language you are putting out there. Also be careful of the words you use. Accusatory words and phrases or mannerisms that imply blame to the other could add fuel to the fire and escalate the conflict.
- Bring something to the table: Don’t put the responsibility solely on the other individual. This is a team effort after all. Be prepared with a few ideas or possible solutions to the problem in question and ask for an opinion. Keep collaborating until a solution has been found. Don’t also forget to learn from this experience as a team and take a look to see if a system or other strategy could be implemented to prevent the problem in the future.
We now invite you to share your stories! Ever had a conflict with a co-worker? How did you resolve it?
Ashley, Health Educator
