The stress of workplace conflict is bad enough when you're a detached observer. But it's far worse when you're right in the middle of it.
Whether your beef involves your boss or a colleague, it can preoccupy you. Mentally setting it aside so that you can perform your work can prove surprisingly hard.
Conquer interpersonal conflict head-on. Conquer the stress of interpersonal conflict by confronting it head-on, the sooner the better. Clear the air. Talk with the person behind closed doors in a calm, composed manner. Say that you want to find a way to get past the problem so that you can both move on.
- Two Steps to Less Stress.The fastest way to dissipate this kind of stress is to take two steps: understand the other person's perspective and restate the conflict from their point of view. Example: Your boss explains that he's upset that you upstaged him in front of the senior brass. So you say, “It sounds like you're annoyed at me for speaking up at the management meeting instead of letting you take the lead.
By restating the source of conflict in that manner, you immediately ratchet down the tension. You can then explore in more detail why the person is angry—before you begin to explain what riles you.
It's True! Many people tend to deny or overlook conflict. They prefer to let things go unsaid. The problem with that strategy is workplace relationships will probably deteriorate; they rarely fix themselves over time. That's why you may need to initiate conversation to bring about a mutually satisfying resolution-even if that causes you short-term stress.
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Tip To resolve conflicts with scheming or backstabbing peers, forge an agreement and hold each other accountable for honoring it. Promise to convene another private meeting if either of you suspect that the other person is violating the terms of your truce.
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