Resolving Difficult Situations with People at Work

Sometimes we come across behaviour we find difficult to deal with and we may have an automatic reaction. Depending on a number of factors we may respond either by fleeing the scene (!); by launching into the challenge; or by staying rooted to the spot, not knowing what to say or do.  

Sometimes the outcome may not be what we would have wanted. 

These responses can be due to a number of factors, including:

• coming up against a particularly difficult situation for the first time; and/or
• encountering unexpected and perhaps inappropriate behaviour for the first time; and/or
• because we tend to respond to difficult situations or certain behaviour in much the same way every time.

What ‘People’ Situations do you find difficult to manage?

Often employers/managers hope that disagreements between employees will sort themselves out that the employees will sort it out when asked to do so or that the issue will simply go away. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is more likely for the conflict to escalate rather than dissolve.

We at Pathways to Success provide support to companies and employees when it comes to managing and improving workplace relations in a number of ways:

• by developing policies and procedures to promote positive communication between colleagues;
• by providing training and/or coaching for managers and employees in positivecommunications and conflict management;
• by providing skills training for employees;
• by providing 1-2-1 Conflict Management Coaching to individuals to help them to deal with difficult situations. This is a recognised coaching model.
• By facilitating the people involved to resolve their difficulties if possible using a range of techniques aimed at resolving situations.

Talk to Us!

• If you have concerns about your relationship with a colleague, you might like to speak to someone outside the company in the strictest confidence; someone who is objective and has the necessary professional experience to support and advise you.
• As a manager or team leader, if you have noticed tension building between members of your team and you don’t know how to deal with it.
• If you notice that there are a lot of rumours 'flying around' the company and you are not sure how to stop them.
• If you get a complaint about an employee’s behaviour and you don’t know what to do.
• Are you finding it difficult to work alongside someone because of the way they behave towards you? If so, talk to us!

If you need advice or assistance on this, please get in touch: info@pathwaystosuccess.ie or 01 6586808