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So you have an employee who just can’t seem to get along with anyone else on the team?
They always seem to be caught up in some kind of power struggle, and it’s affecting their productivity and the morale of the rest of the staff. What can you do?
In this article, we will give you a few tips on how to handle unfriendly rivalry between employees. It’s not always easy, but with a bit of patience and some clear boundaries, you can hopefully nip the problem in the bud.
Acknowledge the problem
You’ve probably heard the saying “there’s no room for two tigers in the same jungle.” Well, the same thing applies to the workplace.
If you have two employees who are constantly butting heads, it’s going to create an unpleasant environment for everyone. The first step is acknowledging that there is a problem. Don’t try to sweep it under the rug, because it will only get worse if you do. Address the issue head-on, and be clear about what you expect from both employees.
Talk to each employee separately first
When you have employees who are unfriendly with each other, the best thing to do is talk to them separately first. This will help you get a better understanding of what’s going on and why they’re acting this way.
It’s also a good way to find out if there’s any truth to the rumors you’ve been hearing. By having a one-on-one conversation, you’re showing your employees that you’re interested in resolving the situation. And this sends a message that you don’t tolerate any type of hostility in the workplace.
Of course, it’s not always comfortable to have such conversations. They may feel like it’s a personal attack, but remember that you’re just trying to get to the bottom of things. Stay calm, be professional, and take notes so you can reference them later on.
Facilitate a meeting between the involved parties
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You should facilitate a meeting between the involved parties. This will give them a chance to air their grievances and explain their side of the story. It will also allow you to get an overall understanding of the situation.
By mediating the meeting, you can ensure that it stays productive and doesn’t turn into a shouting match. You may need to play referee from time to time, but that’s okay. It’s your responsibility to make sure that the meeting stays on track.
The employees may not be happy with each other, but at least they will have an opportunity to resolve their differences under your watchful eye.
Set clear expectations and encourage positive competition
So what can you do as a boss to encourage positive competition among your employees?
First, set clear expectations. Make it apparent that you want them to support each other, not compete against each other. And let them know that you will be keeping an eye on the situation. Second, praise them when they work well together. This will help motivate them to continue working positively together.
Finally, be sure to address any negative behavior immediately. If any backstabbing or bullying is going on, it needs to stop right away. It will only create further tension and conflict in the workplace, and nobody wants that.
When you’re the boss, it can be tough to know how to handle unfriendly rivalry between employees. On one hand, you don’t want to seem like you’re taking sides. On the other hand, you want to make sure that everyone is getting along and working towards the same goal. Make it obvious that you don’t tolerate any kind of bullying or harassment and encourage employees to communicate with each other if they have any problems.
