Dealing with clashes in the workplace

As a manager, it’s important to do your best to keep your workplace from becoming an episode of the Real Housewives of Auckland. Here are some tips for managing conflict.

1. Be clear on dos and don’ts: Let your employees know what you consider to be appropriate and acceptable behaviour. Do this at the start and be consistent. If everyone is on the same page, then any disciplining will be a lot easier.

2. Let people tell their story: Be a good listener. Sometimes people just want to be able to get things off their chest, so put on your Agony Aunt hat and be there for them.

3. Find out the real issue: Dig deeper into any conflicts that come up. Do you notice any patterns? If something – or someone – is popping up often, then that should give you a clue about how to solve the problem.

4. Act quickly: If you can nip disagreements in the bud before they become a full blown fight, then you’ll earn your employees’ respect and trust.

5. Be accommodating: Sometimes we just have to accept that not everyone is going to get along. If that’s the case in your business, consider reshuffling shifts to keep the peace.