Conflict Management at Work
Did you Know?
Most conflicts in the workplace occur because of misunderstandings, personality clashes, and unclear boundaries. Let EAP support you in working through these challenging relationships.
Most of us spend more time at work during the week than we do with our families and friends. Occasionally, we have the positive experience of working with those that make going into work something to look forward to: They are real team-players, cheerful, communicate perfectly, pitch in and never complain. Conversely, there are those who rub us the wrong way: irritable, never contribute, late to work, or abrupt and rude toward others.
Managing relationships with our co-workers can be a challenge. In addition to providing our Cracker Barrel guests with a great dining and retail experience, our interactions with co-workers must be professional at all times. When personalities clash, or when we misunderstand one another, conflict can occur. Like our own families, the CB family has a variety of personalities. While this diversity strengthens our company, it can require skill and tact to keep the business running smoothly.
Remembering the following points can be helpful when dealing with conflict in the workplace:
#1 Examine Yourself First:
When we disagree with someone, the tendency to place blame is typically our first response. While it is understandable that we would blame someone else when we think we have been wronged, it is likely that we played a part in what took place…and we also have a part in the ultimate outcome! Even though we can’t change others, we can take ownership of our response.
#2 Conflict is Your Friend:
We tend to think of conflict as always a negative. Although uncomfortable, conflict can help us by pointing out those areas in our lives that need attention. Perhaps unresolved issues from our past need to finally be dealt with. The way that we interact with others can be related to our history. Perhaps the tendency is to withdraw and let the tension escalate until a volatile outburst occurs. Disagreements can provide opportunities for us to address destructive communication patterns. Think of them as “teaching moments.”
#3 The “How” is as important as the “What”:
Often, it is not the message, but HOW that message is delivered that creates conflict. Our tone of voice, body posture, and presentation has a lot to do with how we are perceived by others.
#4 Think of the Ultimate Goal:
Do you REALLY want to win the argument at all costs? Get back at someone? Perpetuate the argument? If harmony at work is what you seek, try to focus on reaching an understanding, rather than “winning.” This doesn’t mean tolerating inappropriate behavior. Remember how important your personal boundaries are. It is possible, however, that you have more in common with that “difficult person” than you may think. Try to find some common goals and suggest problem solving together.
#5 Wherever You Go, There You Are:
Working at Cracker Barrel (or anywhere!) involves working with people. Sometimes, when the environment at work becomes tense, we wonder if a change of “scenery” is the answer. In reality, different personalities and communication challenges are present in any organization. Be sure you ask yourself: “ Will leaving this company REALLY be the answer? What if I encounter this type of person or situation again, somewhere else?” If things aren’t working out, why not contact the EAP for guidance? Maybe the most constructive approach in the long run is to stay and work things out.
Contact the EAP Helpline at 1-800-688-6330 for a confidential resource to help you work through those challenging relationships!
We are available for you 24/7
Support.
Served Daily.
Written
by Janet McCutchen, Cracker Barrel Senior EAP Counselor
February, 2005
Brochures available for mailing from our office on this topic:
Anger
Management
Communication
Skills
Conflict
Resolution
Preventing
Violence at Work
Call 1-800-688-6330 to order, or email us.
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