Resolving Workplace Conflicts: General - Personal Problems Interfering with Productivity (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.

The argument is always, "Everyone has personal problems, yet they still find ways to get the job done." The truth is that we all have different capacities to manage personal problems based on experience, the nature of the problems as well as our abilities to balance work and home. It's a fine line to demonstrate compassion and empathy while at the same ensure that team members fulfill the responsibilities for which they are being paid. Demonstrating creativity and flexibility in effectively and fairly addressing these types of situations will go a long way in building trust among team members and between the frontline and management. Organizations are also cautioned regarding setting precedents in addressing these types of situations.

With this tool you get the following:

•  The effects of a lack of productivity due to personal problems on the team and organization.
•  Considerations for why the individual is not performing to standards.
•  Numerous solutions 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.