How to handle personality clashes at work

You must have noticed that any kind of workplace is prone to occasional disagreements, which can often be a result of a simple miscommunication that leads to bigger issues.

However, there are some driven by personality clashes. Such clashes are the ones that are potentially more dangerous and can cause serious disruption at the workplace.

What can you do when you find yourself on one end of such a clash? We’re here to give you some ideas on how to deal with personality clashes at work.

1. Talk to the manager instead of your coworkers
After a clash, it could get tempting to approach your coworkers to form a group against the person you believe to be the problem. But that’s the wrong way of doing things and it will only take you further away from the main goal, that is to find a solution. Asking your colleagues to band together against someone only creates more disharmony. Instead, talk to your manager about the whole matter so that they can help you get a neutral perspective about the same. The manager can also step in to help resolve the issue if it’s needed.

2. Use communication to resolve things
If things start to slip out of hands and temper starts to build, try not to respond in the heat of the moment. Try to give yourself some time to think and respond in such situations. Reach out only when you have a genuine intent to talk through your issues. Communication helps determine the origin of the problem. You can very much invite the other person to discuss with the express goal of finding the solution.

3. Seek mediation
Sometimes, the situation can get out of hand, even after you put in your best efforts. When it gets out of control, it’s time to use mediation to your advantage. Mediation is a structured discussion between two clashing parties, overseen by a neutral mediator. You, along with the other person can voice your concerns, while the neutral party in the room ensures the dialogue remains calm and productive.

4. Focus on the positives
Despite the clash, you must focus on the other person’s positive qualities. Be sure to assess your own actions to see if there’s something you could have done the right way. You shouldn’t only expect the other person to make amends. The clash happened due to the two of you, so chances are, you contributed to it too. Be the one to want to resolve things.

5. Avoid public showdowns
At all costs, you must avoid putting up a show in the middle of the office floor. Apart from being hugely unprofessional, it brings down the morale of the entire workplace. Avoiding public conflict can someone mean walking away when the other person starts to escalate the situation. Doing this only gives you more time to process your feelings and make your case in a composed manner.