Workplace conflict is the bane of every manager’s existence. When you are starting a business, there are likely to be social issues within your team. One of the main problems is that people’s roles develop within the first year of business. They are still trying to define the perimeters of their role and what their job entails. Many conflicts will be power struggles between employees. Each employee is fighting to gain an authoritative status within your emerging company. The problem is that office conflicts are destructive. They take vital time and energy to resolve. You should make sure that you handle any office arguments fast. Here is how you can handle office drama like a boss.
Make the rules clear
You need to give people a strict set of rules from the start. When you start a business, you take some time getting used to managing a team. That means that you are learning as your employees learn. When your business is off the ground, it is time to instate some rules so that people know where they stand. You need to tell people what is appropriate within the workplace.
Talk to the culprits
When there is a problem in your office, you will likely know who it involves. Much of the time, the people who are arguing will try and involve other members of the team in their drama. It might look as though there is a divide in your office, but the chances are that the divide started with just two people. Talk to the culprits sooner rather than later. Spend as long as it takes talking to them and learning what the problem is.
Find the cause of the issue
When you get to the root of the problem, you can work to start to resolve it. How did the conflict begin? Surely, these people did not always have a problem with one another. When you are talking to the culprits, listen to what they are saying. People tend to get sidetracked and start telling you about everyone’s flaws. Make sure that people stay on topic. Ask them how the conflict started and what they both need to resolve the matter.
Seek legal help
Sometimes, you need extra help when there is drama within your office. When things get serious, it might be worth getting a solicitor to oversee things. The last thing you need is legal problems when you are starting a business. If someone threatens to sue or to seek legal help, you need a lawyer. Contacting a firm, such as Poole Solicitors, might be your only option. You need to make sure that you are always in control of the situation. When things get out of hand, you could lose everything.
Find neutral ground
Much of the time, conflict arises when people highlight their differences. When people put space between themselves and others, it can cause serious issues. Work with your employees to find common ground between them. That way, they can move forward together. You need to make sure that you are clear with your employees that their behavior is unacceptable. You should be able to find common ground for your employees; they are both working towards the same goals.
Resolve arguments
Addressing arguments is a difficult thing to do. As a manager, you need to be careful not to get too involved in office problems. The most important thing to do right now is draw a line under past issues and move forward as a team. Tell your employees that they have one chance to discuss this issue, and then they must move on with their work. Give them a warning that this is their chance to move on, but if they fail to take it, you will take action.
