Resolving Workplace Conflicts: General - Blaming Others for Mistakes (PDF)

Conflict tends to have a negative connotation based on our experiences, but it does not have to be this way. When we seek to understand, we communicate that we care enough to work through difficult situations and determine how to make things better to reduce stress, promote communication and enhance teamwork.

In this situation, conflict is created when one team member singles out those who make mistakes or looks for someone to "throw under the bus" for personal failings. If this behavior goes unaddressed, the productivity of other team members is impacted negatively and retaliation or sabotage will negatively impact communication, teamwork and morale. Additionally, when unaddressed, this reflects negatively on management because team members do not feel valued and appreciated.

With this tool you get the following:

•  The effects of blaming others for mistakes.
•  Considerations for why the individual is blaming others.
•  Numerous recommendations/suggestions for improvement.
•  Ideas for negotiating/adjusting solutions.
•  Potential barriers and ways to overcome them to achieve resolution.
•  Implementation timeframe.
•  Follow-up review commitments.

Additionally, we provide a blank, editable Conflict Resolution Worksheet and the Worksheet Guidelines providing a step-by-step process for addressing your own workplace conflicts.