A Workplace Situation

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I wanted to ask the opinions of our group because I had a task

dropped on me tonight, and I wanted to get some input from others

who may have had to handle similar problems. Without going into a

lot of detail, I have been called upon to resolve a situation

involving personality clashes among a few employees in the workplace.

My supervisor and I discussed the problem after it was brought

to my attention, and we both seem to feel like having some type of

mediation meeting (with me as mediator) might be a good approach. I

have a few ideas I'm contemplating, but I never really had to handle

problems of this sort in the workplace before, and I was wondering

if anyone could provide any insights or suggestions.

Among other things, I feel that I must convey that I am a shift

supervisor, not a referee. I realize that people occasionally have

disagreements and problems with each other, but I have never had any

personality clashes to contend with. My attitude has always been

that regardless of one's personal feelings toward his or her

coworkers, he or she should take steps to get along with everyone.

Of course, cooperation must work both ways. I also know that being

the shift supervior means that my decisions may not be popular, but

in this case, they may be necessary for keeping the peace.

Any inisghts you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank

you in advance.

Jimmie

[Guest guest]

I had this same incident occur about two to three months ago when a

new employee was put on my shift. I had one employee who is the

type that does her job well but lets things bother her easily &

likes to voice her frustrations out loud on a regular basis (venting

is good :-p). The new employee is the, always upbeat, always in a

good mood type. These two personalities clashed heavily in the

beginning & I was constantly playing " referee " , a.k.a. Supervisor,

between them. I had seperate meetings with both of them &

explained how their personalities were different & that we are here

to work as a team & make work enjoyable & fun but at the same time

maintain professionalism & get the job done.

After one week, the two were sitting next to each other, cutting up

together & basically, work-place friends. It has been a 180°

change

& it has been great.

You will have to be firm & as I have explained to my employees,

we're here to do a job & do it well but in between we'll make it as

fun as possible & that they have to realize you are a supervisor to

them first & then their friend. You have a job to do & you are

being scrutinized so don't let their conflicts affect how you are

viewed in your position.

My recommendation to you is to sit down with them separately & tell

them you have seen or noticed a conflict between them & ask how you

can help or what the problem is & tell them what you expect. If

after a week or two there has been no change then maybe a meeting

with both of them together with a mediator would be appropriate.

I have a book I recommend you read. It is " The 7 Habits of Highly

Effective People " by Covey. It is an excellent book about

management & it truly changed how I see myself & how I act as a

supervisor.

I hope this helps & good luck.

Chad Richey

SSC Supervisor

ETMC EMS

Tyler, Tx

> Hi All,

>

> I wanted to ask the opinions of our group because I had a

task

> dropped on me tonight, and I wanted to get some input from others

> who may have had to handle similar problems. Without going into a

> lot of detail, I have been called upon to resolve a situation

> involving personality clashes among a few employees in the

workplace.

> My supervisor and I discussed the problem after it was

brought

> to my attention, and we both seem to feel like having some type of

> mediation meeting (with me as mediator) might be a good approach.

I

> have a few ideas I'm contemplating, but I never really had to

handle

> problems of this sort in the workplace before, and I was wondering

> if anyone could provide any insights or suggestions.

> Among other things, I feel that I must convey that I am a

shift

> supervisor, not a referee. I realize that people occasionally

have

> disagreements and problems with each other, but I have never had

any

> personality clashes to contend with. My attitude has always been

> that regardless of one's personal feelings toward his or her

> coworkers, he or she should take steps to get along with

everyone.

> Of course, cooperation must work both ways. I also know that

being

> the shift supervior means that my decisions may not be popular,

but

> in this case, they may be necessary for keeping the peace.

> Any inisghts you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank

> you in advance.

>

> Jimmie