by TJ Njozela (@tj_njozela) There are many different personality types in an agency and, with such a wide range, clashes are inevitable. In a workplace where collaboration and teamwork are critical to creating amazing work, conflict between colleagues may make it difficult for the entire team. So, instead of name-calling or ghosting a coworker when you butt egos, here are three ways to resolve the tension like a grownup.
Building and strengthening relationships
There are the loud and outspoken ones who seem to socialise more than they work. There are those who focus upon what needs to be done and prefer to do it without distraction. There are some whose plans are elaborate and complicated, and others who are more strategic and efficient. The thing, though, is that while conflicts may come about because of different personalities, it doesn’t mean they’re personal. By trying to understand each other, instead of trying to be right, you’re more likely to come to a resolution — whether it’s agreeing to disagree, or to compromise. Either way, you’ll find that you’ll be building and strengthening relationships, instead of breaking them down.
1. Gauge how you feel
Are you angry? Annoyed? Irritated? Frustrated? All of them? While you can’t always control how you feel, checking your emotional state may, at the very least, help you control how you react. Step out and get some air. Listen to angry music. Sleep on it.
Later, when you’re more level-headed, you’ll be in a better position to speak with the other person without it turning into a verbal brawl. So, wait until you’ve got yourself together, and aren’t fuming anymore. You’ll be able to communicate honestly, using reason and logic instead of emotions, which will make it easier to resolve your issues.
2. Gauge how the other person is feeling
As any cat owner knows, sometimes you just need to stay away when kitty’s in a mood. Similarly, there’s not much to gain having a conversation with someone whose response is being driven by emotion. Wait for a time when they’ve come to their good senses, and work things out then.
While you’re waiting for round two, take some time to try and see things from their perspective. Understanding what they feel may help you get a better insight into what might have caused the tension in the first place, or even reveal a way to resolve things sooner than you thought.
3. Be direct but be polite
It takes a lot of guts to confront a situation head on but, if you don’t take your manners with you, it can all go south pretty quickly. It’s always best to not beat around the bush, or skirt around the issue, but do it respectfully. Don’t be vague or ambiguous, but communicate your issues clearly.
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The conversation might be tough, but it’s still a conversation. Giving the other person the opportunity to respond and then listening to what he or she has to say is also key to getting to a point where your issues are resolved.
TJ Njozela (@tj_njozela) is an award-winning senior copywriter at FCB Africa with several years of experience in the advertising industry. More than a writer, he is also a reader, a thinker, and an avid liker of things; and he once walked from Joburg to Cape Town in 30 days to raise funds to buy wheelchairs for people in need. #30Days30Wheelchairs. TJ contributes the regular “Agency Life” column, in which he gives career advice for working within the advertising industry, to MarkLives.
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