Sometimes the hardest part of your job has nothing to do with your work, especially when the people you work with are prone to creating conflict. You have tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, brushing off their comments or overlooking their poor job performance because you don’t want to get caught up in the backlash, but your work is starting to suffer. Interpersonal conflict is not something that just disappears over time; in fact, it will continue to fester until someone steps forward.
If simply talking to your co-worker has not produced satisfactory results, then you need to take things to the next level. Here are 5 important steps you should take to effectively approach management about internal issues.
Make a 30-minute appointment with your boss
Just dropping in on your manager to deliver bad news is never a good idea. Your spur-of-the-minute conference could potentially disrupt important business or be cut short due to a previous engagement. Either way, you may not be able to adequately address the situation or reach a suitable conclusion. By making an appointment, you can catch your boss at a less hectic time and show them the respect they deserve. You also give yourself some time to let the dust settle and avoid speaking to your manager when you are angry or hurt.
Plan what you are going to say
Put some thought into how you want to address the issue and what you are going to say.
- DO NOT just go in and wing it.
- DO talk your concern over with a mentor and seek advice, if necessary.
- DO NOT discuss the issue with your coworkers, your manager’s manager, or HR unless it’s a serious violation.
- DO decide how to present the issue in a constructive, assertive, factual, and specific way.
Describe the problem
In your meeting, describe the issue you are having in a calm and collected manner. Discuss the specific behavior (not the possible intentions) and how it affects you, your work performance, or your company’s goals. Be specific.
Provide a possible solution
You should never bring a problem to management unless you have a proposed solution on how to fix it. Start off by explaining the steps you have already taken to try and solve the problem and what you have learned from these attempts. Recommend a number of specific solutions, addressing the pros and cons of each, why you think they will help, and how they will positively benefit the company. Potential solutions could include anything from sensitivity training to process improvement workshops to face-to-face meetings. Discuss with your manager and, together, determine the best course of action.
Take responsibility and take action
It’s one thing to simply suggest solutions and another to help set them in motion. Demonstrate your commitment to ensuring success by taking the necessary steps to get the ball rolling. Also, discuss additional steps you may take if things do not go according to plan. It might be a good idea to schedule a follow-up meeting in the near future to check-in. Thank your manager for their time and willingness to discuss the issue.
By bringing issues to light in the right manner, you can help create a more positive and productive work environment. For more tips on dealing with internal issues in the workplace, contact the expert commercial consultants at George Rullo and Associates today!
Need some advice about dealing with workplace issues? Call 732-580-8668!