Resolving Workplace Conflicts: General - Harmful Use of Emails & E-Communication (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.

Email and other forms of electronic communication are so convenient we tend to hit the send button or click on post before we have proofed and/or considered the potential ramifications of our message. When NOT to use these forms of communication is as important as when to use them. It's difficult to undo the damage done when personal, critical and negative communications are directed at individuals while being broadcast to an inappropriate audience. This reflects negatively on the individual generating the communication and makes others uncomfortable when they are inadvertently drawn into a situation meant to be damaging to the subject. For those who may be directly involved, the public airing is detrimental not only to teamwork and a productive and respectful culture, but also negatively impacts the ability to resolve the situation without lingering feelings of hurt and anger.

With this tool you get the following:

•  The effects of harmful electronic communications.
•  Considerations for why the individual is generating these communications.
•  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.