Tips for resolving verbal wars at workplace

Tips for resolving verbal wars at workplace

 

Any corporate organisation is a place where ideas are bounced off, suggestions are pitched and views are exchanged.

It is not unlikely then that arguments , disagreements, creative conflicts and differences of opinion often abound.

When handled with maturity they can prove to be productive, but if workplace arguments are not stemmed in time, they can escalate into unsavoury power clashes and cause major fault lines in professional relationships.

 

WORKPLACE DUELS

The discussion table at the workplace is a pool of myriad persons and viewpoints. As a result there are chances of friction between employees due to dissimilar thought processes.

Human Resources (HR) professional says, "Two employees may not necessarily share the same opinion on an issue. But getting into arguments with others is not the solution. There are appropriate ways to put forth one's views without being offensive."

Baseless arguments at the workplace not only affect one's appraisal but also damage inter-personal relationships.

At the office if you get into an argument for any reason, your reputation goes for a toss. Besides, there is no point in arguing with someone who does not understand what you are trying to say. If you feel you are right, it is best to remain silent and maintain one's dignity."

TACKLING TIFFS

To minimise nasty verbal encounters here are some of the things that one should keep in mind:

Respect the difference: The workplace has persons with different sensibilities and approaches collaborating in the interest of the organisation . Clashes are bound to happen. One should weigh the pros and cons of others' views and respect the differences , if any.

In case of disagreements outright arguing is not the solution.  "Issues can always be amicably settled with mutual appreciation."

Avoid overlap: Another reason verbal duels get ugly between colleagues is when personal prejudices begin affecting professional ties. At work, one should judge a person according to his/her capabilities and not settle personal scores. There should not be blurring of personal and professional boundaries.

Watch that tongue: Any dispute that arises should be settled in keeping with the office protocol. One can approach the personnel department or seniors, in case the situation demands. Getting abusive or using unparliamentary language is a professional blot and can invite serious trouble. It should be strictly avoided.

Take a step forward: Even if for some reason differences with colleagues have crept up, egos aside, one should make an effort to restore cordial relations. Such timely measures, help in maintaining the organisational discipline .

Accept your mistake: Ignorance is also one of the reasons arguments take place. Before countering someone, it is advisable to verify the information one has.  "If you are wrong, there is no point in arguing." But not all arguments are useless. "There are some arguments which do contain valid points. If its crux is found to be worthy, it can be harnessed to its full potential."

PARTING SHOT

Constant arguments at the workplace do more harm than good. It makes one unpopular among co-workers and seniors and affects one's own state of mind. Besides, adhering to office discipline is also important. Any point of concern should be voiced in a reasonable manner and through the right channel.

But at the same time, despite one's best efforts to keep calm, there might be unpleasant elements at the workplace causing unnecessary arguments and tiffs or there may be instances when one is subjected to injustice in some form or the other.

In such cases being a doormat does not help. One should rely on self-experience , tact and diplomacy to tackle the situation. Assistance of concerned authorities should be sought if required.