Conflict shows up in many ways, employee morale, resistance to change and overall attitude. Conflict is the reason for about 50% of all turnover. So whether it be the costs related to turnover or low performance, all signals are that it must be re solved. Most of us avoid conflict but that comes with a cost in both a question of integrity and respect by employees toward management and productivity overall!

So how do we address this and why is it important to do so?

RESOLVING CONFLICT:
Builds trust in management
Enhances bottom up communication
Supports diversity and value differences
Reduces costs in both wasting of time and overall productivity
Reduces turnover, potential litigation, gossip and low morale

SOME COMMON TYPES OF CONFLICT:
Among co-workers, person ality clashes and differences in work style and performance
Personal issues brought in from outside of the workplace
Current events/politics
Stress on the job
Limited management of employee issues
Layoffs or potential for reduction of staff

SO HOW DO WE RESOLVE IT?
First admit it exists!
Identify the problem and all parties that are involved
Plan the time to meet and find out what the specific issues are causing conflict
Facilitate free flow of information balanced with confidentiality
Empower employees to resolve their own problems
Be sure to have clearly written plans to move forward and all parties agree to it
Follow up to be sure the problem(s) truly have been resolved

AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS.....
Seek help from a third party...this is one area where JBM can assist!

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CONFLICT IN THE WORKPLACE?
Effective management - be sure supervisors are trained in effective coaching and leadership
Regular communications - take the time for regular staff meetings
Performance reviews annually - one of the most important jobs a business owner or manager has
Training staff on conflict resolution techniques -2 each employee can learn how to improve in their own interpersonal style
Focus on the importance of respect in the workplace; the importance of common courtesy and bring in humor!
Have strong formal policies in place and be sure they are consistently enforced
Create a trusting, safe environment!

In these times when we are all having to work more with less help it is imperative that everyone is working at optimal capacity. Take the time to assist your workplace and see where your might be able to improve upon the existing climate and productivity. Conflict is inevitable. Remember there are quick and easy ways to train your staff.
Effective Coaching, a webinar offered on JBM's website is just one session that can provide supervisory personnel with some "tools" to improve!......

-Jeannine Miller JBM Consulting

June 10th 2009

June 10, 2009

Tonight’s guest is Nancy Brennan Blundell and Robert Mayer.

Nancy is Executive Director of Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University (“BCS/NU”) and has worked with this regional citizen preparedness training and outreach education program since its inception in 2004. Originally established as a Special Volunteer Program by the Corporation for National and Community Service grant, BCS/NU coordinates programs in Niagara County, the City of Buffalo and the Town of Tonawanda that are funded by Buffalo-Erie-Niagara UASI and Citizen Corps grants.

Robert is the current Project Coordinator for Niagara University/Border Community SERVICE. Prior to this, he was a Public Policy Fellow with the New York State Attorney General’s office. During that time he was responsible for implementing the community outreach plan for the eight counties of Western New York. Rob also worked closely with the Public Policy Director in developing new community outreach approaches and evaluating current outreach efforts for regional offices across the state.

For more information about Border Community SERVICE please go to www.niagara.edu/bordercommunityservice.

June 3rd, 2009

Tonight's first segment included guests Claudia Kurtworth and Cheryl LaCata from "Healthy Living Partnership" of Niagara County Department of Health.



Our second segment was guest Wendy Adams, President of the Niagara Falls chapter of the American Business Women's Association.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my new blog. You will find information and posts that deal with the city of Niagara Falls and the communities within. I'm looking forward to having a lot of fun with my new blog!