Let Cooler Heads Prevail

Have you ever had a misunderstanding or confrontation with a co-worker or boss?  How did you handle the situation?  Was it amicably resolved or did it drag on creating an uncomfortable work environment?  Maybe it has never been resolved and has grown out of control?

The best way to clear up these situations is to address them immediately and professionally before they morph in to something worse.  Certainly use your better judgement to determine when that time would be.  If emotions are running high at the time of the conflict, it is best to walk away and allow for “cooler heads to prevail.”

When you get the chance, pull the person aside or arrange a time to speak with them alone.  Try to come to a mutual understanding and show the person you are trying to improve the situation not rehash it or validate your point.  You can explain how the situation made you feel but do not focus on accusatory terminology or finger pointing.  This will only put you both on the defense and won’t resolve the matter.     

If the two of you cannot come to an understanding, at least see if you can “agree to disagree.”  Take responsibility for your part in the situation but focus on moving forward so you both can direct your energy where it should go, towards your work.  

Do not involve others unless you are concerned for your well being.  If this is the case then either inform HR or your manager of your concerns, which ever is appropriate.  Refrain from discussing it with your peers because it will likely get back to that person and cause further disharmony.

Ask for open communication and offer it in return.  People will appreciate your directness and initiative to resolve matters.  Take a team work approach and emphasize the importance of working together regardless of personality differences or differing points of view.

If the other person refuses to let it go, you have done all you can do.  Take the high road.  Just remember to be professional and civil regardless of their response.  By addressing issues head on and in a constructive manner this should help prevent any disruptions in your working relationships and let you focus on your job.

Leadership Checklist

As a manager do you wake up every morning asking yourself, “what can I do today to make myself better than I was yesterday?”  Wouldn’t you love for your employees to engage in the same school of thought?  Begin with yourself and see how these principles will extend to your staff and ultimately create a more successful work environment.

I’ve compiled a leadership checklist to help you get started.  Do you embrace these practices?  

• Instill trust and integrity
• Be a visionary
• Surround yourself with smart people and advisors
• Be willing to take risks
• Be a doer not just a thinker; EXECUTE! 
• Embrace your fears and challenges
• Value all relationships
• Gather all facts and weigh options and decisions appropriately
• Encourage your people and push them to greatness
• Take the time to listen 
• Emphasize education and the importance of knowledge
• Outline a coarse of action for long term and short term goals
• Encourage innovative ideas from peers and subordinates
• Acknowledge credit where credit is due
• Value team and individual accomplishments and reward accordingly
• Be confident but don’t let your ego sacrifice your success
• Know when to re-evaluate and regroup
• Revel in your successes but take your biggest lessons from mistakes and failures
• Lead by example

A true leader understands the importance of bettering themselves and those around them, so share these principles with your peers, employees and friends.  Carpe Diem.  Take the step to make changes and improvements today.  As Napoleon Hill once stated, "The world does not pay men for that which they "know".  It pays them for what they do, or induce others to do."

Introduction

Do you have a workplace issue you would like to share with us?  BetterBossBooks is dedicated to listening to you, the employee, and your concerns regardless of your position within a company.  

Our mission is offer a forum for discussion and suggestions on ways to approach current situations in a leadership manner, educate if possible and provide book recommendations that will help you through some of your workplace issues. 

If you are any of the following: currently in or have been in a stressful work situation; have witnessed good and bad bosses; need direction on how to tackle specific problems you are facing; want to become an effective leader; want to create a positive work environment; want to improve relationships with subordiates or co-workers; or share successful practices you have encountered or incorporated, we encourage you to share your stories, questions and comments with us so we can help you be the change you wish to see in the workplace.