The Right Way to Confront a Coworker

While the workplace often provides excellent opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and unity, the occasional conflict does occur. As frustrating as it is, conflict can lead to better self-awareness and understanding of those around us. It’s all in how we handle the confrontation.

 

In this post, let’s walk through the right way to confront a coworker in a way that’s positive, respectful, and professional.

 

Determine if Confrontation is Necessary

First and foremost, it’s important to determine if a confrontation is even necessary. As easy as it can be to assume the worst, it’s vital that you first offer up the benefit of the doubt. For example, was a coworker late to an important meeting, causing you additional stress while you scrambled to stall the customer? Before assuming they were getting a latte or chose to sleep in, take a moment to consider the possibility that something happened that was out of their control. Was there an emergency at home? Did they get caught up in out-of-nowhere traffic? Also consider their track record. Is this a common reoccurrence for them, or was it a one-time situation? If the offense is small and is out of the ordinary, a confrontation isn’t necessary. If this is an on-going problem, go ahead and schedule some time to chat with the coworker.

 

Do It In Person

When facing confrontation, it’s tempting to hide behind an email. However, let me caution you: sending an email instead of talking in person can: 1) Skew how the reader interprets the message because you can’t hear someone’s tone over email. 2) Risk additional individuals becoming aware of the conversation (whether you can see them or not) through forwarding and blind-copying. 3) Honestly, make you appear a bit cowardly because you aren’t facing the problem head on.

 

The conversation doesn’t have to be intense or long, and no, you don’t have to send a calendar invitation. Simply approach the co-worker and let them know that you’d like to have a quick conversation, and tell them the place and time. An easy, “Hey Emily! I’d like to grab a minute with you to discuss what happened earlier. Are you available for 10 minutes at the end of lunch? I can grab us a coordination room so we have some privacy” works great.

 

Take Out the Emotion

We aren’t robots, and it’s okay to share if you were hurt or frustrated by something a coworker did. But when confronting a coworker, try to keep the conversation on the facts. If you start bringing in your feelings and opinions, it’s easy to go a bit overboard into your emotions instead of what actually happened. This lets both you and the coworker know what went wrong, what needs to be fixed, and what can be done moving forward.

 

Let it Go

Let’s face it, holding a grudge makes us feel powerful. However, it benefits no one for you to stew with your thoughts. If the conversation with your coworker has happened, both parties understand each other’s feelings, and any necessary apologies or plans for future situations have been completed, then it’s time to let it go. People aren’t perfect, and in the same way that you’re going to wrong your coworkers sometimes, they’re also going to wrong you. Focus on proper communication to ensure that these conflicts are far and few between, and then let past issues go.

 

Confrontation can be scary, and can sometimes have negative effects not just on the individual you’re confronting, but on you as well.  But if you focus on these key steps with the intention to better improve relations, you will be on the right track.

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

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Working Remotely? Here’s How to Succeed

As companies are determining whether to bring folks back to the office, devise a hybrid plan or allow employees to permanently work remotely, some type of remote work is likely here to stay. Love it or hate it, working remotely creates the opportunity to approach thinking about your career differently. How do you set boundaries with work hours? How do you stay engaged with co-workers in a virtual environment? Can you wear sweatpants all day now?

 

Working remotely looks a little different for everyone; however, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Read on to learn our top tips for successfully working remotely.

 

Embrace Technology

If you’re going to work remotely, you’re going to have to be comfortable with technology. By now, almost all companies who’ve created a work from home policy have implemented some sort of technology that allows for internal communications. Whether your team uses Teams, Slack, or another communication software, spend some time really exploring how the program works. Ensure that you know all of the capabilities so that you can use the system to its fullest potential.

 

Stay Consistent

As easy as it is to just groggily bring your laptop to your bed in the mornings, take time each day to get up, carry out your hygiene tasks, get dressed it whatever way is most comfortably productive to you, and sit up at a desk or table. Having a consistent routine helps your mind and body understand when you are in work mode vs. relaxation mode. Unless you’re in on-camera meetings (in which case, you should be dressed as if you were in the office unless told otherwise.), dress comfortably but not slouchy. It’s easy to want to wear the same baggy sweatpants day in and day out, but keeping a polished appearance helps you feel better, and in turn, work better.

 

Set Boundaries

As nice as it is to no longer experience commuting, working remotely can make it difficult to “un-plug” once the workday is over. Because your home is now your office, choosing to not check your email or accept a late meeting outside of work hours can be tough. Have a conversation with your leader to inquire about mutual expectations for working hours. Do they expect you to respond to a Teams message after the workday has ended? What is their policy on attending meetings scheduled outside of work hours? Does a 6am meeting mean an earlier log-off? When it comes to boundaries, communication is key.

 

Make Effort

Lastly, be sure to make effort in your relationships with co-workers. As great as technology is, there is nothing like having face-to-face conversations. Try to schedule in-person team events here and there, even something as simple as a lunch or happy hour. Or if everyone is scattered across the country, perhaps a yearly meet up. Face to face interaction reminds us that there is a person behind the email address.

 

Finding an efficient and effective way to work remotely is not a one size fits all situation. Look carefully about what works for you and the team. While many welcome this new paradigm shift in what society has determined to be an appropriate workplace, it’s not for everyone. If you have found that you just don’t like remote work, try meeting up with co-workers, take up a co-working space or start looking for opportunities with a traditional in person set up.

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 
Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

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