How To Navigate Workplace Drama
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
It's inevitable. At some point, we will probably have some sort of conflict with one of our coworkers. It can make for an awkward and uncomfortable work atmosphere when there is tension and conflict with coworkers especially when you must work closely together. Different personalities, perspectives, values, and work ethics can cause issues in the workplace when those things differ greatly from our ways of thinking and doing.
Here's the thing. There is more than one way to do a thing. One of the things that can cause problems is expecting people to be like us, work like us, think like us, and do like us. Guess what? They do not like us! And the sooner you accept that the easier your life and job will be.
A big issue I see in the workplace when it comes to conflict is that a lot of people lack Emotional Intelligence. What is Emotional Intelligence? I’m glad that you asked. Emotional Intelligence by definition is “the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.” Someone who has a good level of emotional intelligence or awareness of emotional intelligence often can take a step back, pause, assess the situation, and then move forward with a positive solution that most often time will yield a positive outcome. Being able to master Emotional Intelligence is one of the best things you can do as a person for your own personal development, but it’s a beneficial tool to keep in your career tool bag that can help you advance in many ways.
1. Listening to understand what someone is trying to communicate. Recently at work, we learned about Neurodiversity in the workplace. Sometimes someone could be dealing with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other disabilities that may be hindering how they can communicate. You may find there was a simple misunderstanding due to miscommunication.
2. Don’t assume you know best or know it all. There is always room for improvement and to learn from others.
3. Think before you speak or react. I know we can get caught up in the moment but take a second, to breathe, digest the information or situation at hand, and then respond. If you need a longer period to respond to a particular situation let it be known. No one can read your mind. You must communicate effectively.
4. Stay away from the drama! Do not involve yourself in issues and situations that do not directly affect you. Steer clear of the “watercooler” talk as the saying goes. That means keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself. You never know who’s listening for the purpose of ill intent.
One thing I recognize in the workplace is that we don't have to be friends, BUT we do have to be professional and cordial with one another. We are all working for the same outcome which is to help our company to be successful as well as ourselves. We can help one another through conflict by being self-aware and by taking accountability for our actions.
Ashley Jones
Ashley Jones is an HR Professional, writer, wife and mother. She loves to read, journal and listen to live music. She is passionate about encouraging people to journal as a way of releasing their thoughts and feelings. She lives by the motto: "Do what's best for you and works for you."