Co-Worker Turmoil                                                                                                                                           

I received so many comments on a recent message on Human Capital – as well as a suggestion or two – that I thought I’d follow it up with an often neglected, but very important aspect of teamwork: turmoil amongst co-workers.

Most owners and managers don’t realize how much unproductive time is wasted with the bickering of employees. One co-worker doesn’t get along with another, so he avoids the other at all cost. Of course that occurs after verbal attacks have been inflicted against each person. A failure to communicate properly, or worse, building cliques within a department or company, causes alienation, frustration, anger, and often downright animosity within the group.

It’s true. Some people just push others’ buttons. But the negative energy generated from the angst of one associate against another is enough to justify some serious inquiry and resolution. Too often, leaders simply avoid these situations, hoping they will somehow resolve on their own. They seldom do, so take the time necessary to intervene. If the situation persists after serious intervention, you’ll have to take stronger action, up to and including termination.

Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about….

Business Tips:

• Practice the art of inclusion. Informed associates are happier because they feel part of the team. Loyalty results from good leadership.
• Small businesses are like families, where people need to know and understand everyone’s personality and temperament to get along.
• People in the wrong position will struggle. People in the right position will thrive. Finding your right “fit” is vital.

Life Tips:

• When you lack patience, try to slow everything down. Slowing things down tends to take the edge off, and allows you time to reflect.
• People who push your buttons and create negative energy aren’t worth the aggravation. Ignore them, avoid them, or fire them.
• We sometimes get so focused on the direction we have set that we forget about the objective. Take some time to reflect on the goal.

Coach’s Note

People ask me what my “Program” is for consulting. I don’t have a “Program.” I come to a store or company and do “business discovery.” I identify the strengths and weaknesses of each business and we leverage the strengths and strengthen the weaknesses. Every store or business is different because every owner or manager is different. We attack each issue with persistence. Most issues involve people and the company’s leadership and overall management. If you can use some help, contact me for a free consultation.

Tags: Advice, Boss, Co-worker, Coach, Consulting, Crisis Management, Developing Leaders, Employee, Leaders, Leadership Excellence, Leadership Problems, Leadership Skills, Learning, Management, Managers, People Leaders, Reality, Relationships, Reputation, Responsibility, Teamwork, The Mind of a Leader, Time