Workplace Conflict Management

Managers find workplace conflict to be one of the most costly and frustrating issues to resolve.  Workplace conflict caused by a difficult employee, supervisor or team creates disruption and disharmony for others and is the result of significant costs to the organization through increased employee grievances and harassment complaints, resignations, and absenteeism.  On a more fundamental, day to day basis, workplace conflict creates morale and productivity issues for everyone forced to cope with the workplace conflict, whether they are direct victims of it or bystanders who are "caught in the middle".

Early Intervention

The most effective way to reduce conflict-related costs and maintain a productive and stable organization is to intervene in workplace conflict as soon as possible. However, a timely response is not to be confused with a hasty one. Effective intervention requires proper investigation and accurate diagnosis of the workplace conflict. Only then will managers be in a position to develop and implement successful workplace conflict solutions.

Push the Pause Button: Ask Before you Act

Well-managed and profitable companies understand the importance of seeking the right answers early - from experts they trust - well before they embark on any course of action.This is particularly true of workplace conflict. Many conflicts involve complex human interactions and allegations of human rights violations. Managers should not rush into "solving a problem" until they fully understand the problem they are trying to solve. Take time to seek early advice from workplace conflict experts such as Marli Rusen of Management Matters. In doing so, managers will resolve workplace conflict in the most reasonable and legally defensible manner from the outset, saving the organization significant time, energy and costs over the long run.