Workplace etiquette: avoid conflict in the workplace
Zip it
Learn to think before you speak. Bite your tongue before that provocative remark comes out of your mouth and you find yourself embroiled in a fight.
Sit, wait, think and act when correct
Whenever you have issues in the workplace, you're better off thinking through your words before you voice complaints, thoughts or suggestions. Whether you're a business owner, supervisor, manager or employee, the workplace can sometimes become a tinderbox for conflict.
Listen, don't dispute
Sometimes your manager needs to tell you how disappointed he is with you. Sometimes your co-worker needs to go on a diatribe about how you "neglect" him. Sometimes your employee needs to express his or her resentment about the way you've treated them. You can't argue with feelings. Listen when your co-workers, managers, or employees express strong feelings. Rather than argue and try to insist that they shouldn't be feeling what they're feeling, understand that they are feeling that way and simply say, "I'm sorry you feel that way." Try to put yourself in their shoes and give them the empathy that you would want yourself. Arguing may only make a situation worse.
Document, document and document again
Rule no. 3 having been followed,
