Conflict Resolution: Step One

Q:  My family owns a small business, with 7 non-family employees.  There seem to be personality clashes among 3 of the employees, and it affects the entire group.  They are good at their jobs and we can't justify firing anyone.  We have books and resources on conflict resolution, and regular meetings, but the conflicts continue, without a seeming basis.  Do you have a pointer that can help steer us in the right direction?  W.G.

A:  One can't like another more than one likes oneself.  It is likely that the "personality clashes" occur when one or more employee(s) is feeling insecure or inferior.  To counteract this feeling, we sometimes swing to the opposite, which results in acting superior and causing others to feel insecure in themselves.  And the fight is on.  This occurs among people who are pressed together in situations such as employment, school, or family.

Do you have an Employee Assistance Plan, where you can refer your employees for brief counseling at no cost to them?  Do you hold an annual staff retreat, where employees can play together, for a change?  Do you foster an emotional climate in your place of business that honors respect and humane consideration for all workers?  Do you have regular performance evaluations that help employees know where they stand, and that affirm and recognize their strengths and positive abilities?

If each employee likes and respects himself or herself, that healthy self-regard and self-respect will radiate and translate to regard and respect for the others.  Whatever you can do that will enhance this healthy self-regard among the individuals in your workplace is likely to be the key that will open the door to a more congenial and relaxed working environment.