Handling Conflict in Business

Your employees are not always going to get along. In fact, you might not get along with some of your clients. This doesn't mean business should stop, profits should be loss, or people should change jobs. There are many positives that can come from conflict. It is knowing how to spot them that is the key.

The first thing you should when a conflict arises is quickly and professionally address the issue. You want to set aside a time, neutral place, and date to discuss the issues. Send out the invitation to the meeting to all parties involved and set the ground rules in the email or faxed invitation. Basically, setup the agenda, how long everyone has to present their key points, and possible outcomes and conclusions that may be drawn from the meeting. This will keep everyone focused during the meetings, offset a desire for any potential personal attacks, and bring you closer to resolving the issue.

Think about who cares the most about the outcome and also try to listen to the other party. We all can't be right or wrong all of the time You should always look to arrive in the middle with the other party if a conflict is present. If you push to win, you can push away a great employee or life-long client. But, if you meet that person half way, you have developed a loyal employee or client for life.

Being professional and handling conflict don't always go hand-in-hand. If you can grasp the concept and make the situation a win-win and creative learning experience then you're truly a wonderful leader.

Until next time,
Twyla

Take Your Business Drama to Your Mama...

Oh, the drama of being a business owner. Oh, the drama of being an employee. Conflicts at work are nothing new. So, I've decided to share my top three tips on avoiding drama in the workplace.

#1. Accept that you’re not the smartest person in the room. This is especially true for business owners and managers. Employees can have really great, money-saving suggestions. So, put those egos aside and listen. You might find business gold.

#2. Have a difficult conversation before it causes tension in the office. Don't dance around an issue. Address it and do so professionally. I once heard someone say, "critical feedback deserves your respect. It’s not something to fit in between phone calls ." They were right. Set-aside a time and place to have the difficult conversation and then move on.

#3. Think before you speak. This seems simple enough but we are human. If you just blurt out what a jackass someone is, you can be opening yourself up for a lawsuit- even if you are right! So, think out a response before saying one. If you need time to cool down, then say, "I have to think about this before commenting". There is no law out there stating you have to respond to something or someone immediately. Give yourself some time to cool down and to be diplomatic. It will make you a great leader and free of legal troubles.

Tell me about your prior work-drama experiences on Twitter!

Twyla