The day to day stress in a workplace setting such as deadlines and competing priorities, combined with a myriad of personalities working together is the perfect recipe for conflict in the workplace. Each one of us brings a certain communication style and set of assumptions that influence the way we interact with one another.
Examples of Conflict in the Workplace
Conflict in the workplace can act like cancer within an organization or department if not dealt with in a timely manner. Seemingly innocent water cooler talk can transform into ongoing gossip that negatively impacts the team as a whole. Sarcastic interactions between two combative team members can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone in a meeting. Even the best intentions can be laced with miscommunication that results in tension and conflict.
Regardless of the origin of the conflict, it can bring any company’s productivity to a screeching halt if not addressed in a well-thought out manner. It can consume a manager’s time who is forced to repeatedly address two combative employees, people may spend time gossiping about an issue when they could be working, and conflict can lead to deteriorating confidence in the company leadership when not handled in a timely manner.
Unaddressed conflict can erode employee morale, wear out loyalty, and waste countless hours.
The Solution
While conflict in the workplace may seem like an inevitable part of business, it doesn’t have to be. Through proven and time-tested activities and creative techniques, Joyce Weiss has helped hundreds of companies over the past 30 years resolve conflicts, learn new communication methods, and positively impact overall company morale.
She is able to teach CEOs, managers, and employees the skills they need to synergize teams, thoughtfully deal with bullies in the workplace, and allow employees that come from different generations to effectively communicate with each other.
The Approach
Joyce will start the conflict resolution process by assessing the current situation through employee interviews. She will identify patterns and present those findings to the necessary stakeholders.
Once the key problems have been identified, Joyce will provide a customized plan of action that includes techniques that have been proven to work again and again such as Verbal Aikido.
Joyce’s clients learn how to collaborate even when individuals don’t get along and especially when there is bullying in the workplace. They will learn strategies on how to deal with sarcasm, negativity, retaliation in the workplace, and silence.
Be Direct with Respect® is a skill that gives you control and focuses on results and improving communication skills. It creates a win-win situation and shows the importance of respecting yourself and others. You will learn tips on how to use constructive feedback in a positive and productive way. You will also learn how to protect yourself from getting defensive when others ‘push your buttons’.
Examples
Below you will find past client examples where Joyce successfully guided them through challenging situations.
- Conflict Resolution Example 1: Two employees had established a pattern of repeatedly saying rude and sarcastic remarks to the rest of the team. This evolved into workplace gossip that was consuming hours of time, as well as hindering communication amongst the team. Joyce was able to help these individuals understand how their comments were negatively impacting the team and the company.
- Conflict Resolution Example 2: An uncomfortable silence had been plaguing staff meetings for months. Team members felt as though they couldn’t speak up with their ideas and thus it had become an expensive and unproductive meeting. Joyce helped the meeting leaders learn how to encourage team members to speak up by teaching them facilitation and communication techniques.
- Conflict Resolution Example 3: A company merger had forced employees from formerly competing companies to now join forces. Tensions were starting to bubble to the surface. Joyce was able to work with the newly formed teams to help them create synergies and avoid a failed merger due to conflicting personalities.
Joyce Weiss has successfully worked with hundreds of clients over the past 30 years tackle extremely challenging situations.
Joyce is always available via phone or email to discuss the ways she can positively impact your team dynamics. Contact her today to schedule a call to discuss the options!
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