Gatherings with family and friends over the holidays are sometimes a recipe for conflict. If you are concerned that family quarrels may derail a holiday celebration, these tips may help: Avoid discussions about politics or other hot button topics. Politely decline to participate in conversations that you suspect will lead to disagreements. If someone’s behavior…
Knowing how to support employees who are grieving may be challenging, especially when the loss impacts the workplace. The individual needs of a grieving employee may vary depending upon several factors, such as the person’s support system, coping skills, past losses, and how close they were to the person who died. Common emotional and behavioral…
If a member of your team has expressed suicidal thoughts, it is important to take immediate action. The following steps will help to maintain the person’s safety: Ask to speak privately with the person. Express your concerns about their statements or behavior. Stay away from medical terms like “depression” or “mental illness,” as these could…
Emotions may be running high in the weeks surrounding an election. People may have strong feelings on both sides about the campaigns, the candidates, and the results. You and your co-workers may be: Talking more about the election or what might happen Checking the Internet and social media sites for updates more frequently Avoiding people…
If you find election season stressful, it is important to make time to rest and regroup. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine will help you maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing. Additional benefits include: Increased stress management A stronger immune system Higher energy levels Try these tips for prioritizing self-care: Define self-care. Only you can…
Knowing how to provide constructive feedback is a valuable management skill. Feedback is most effective when it: Is clear, specific, and timely Maintains a positive focus Avoids undermining confidence Offers broad strokes and helpful tips Targets areas for improvement Minimizes nitpicking or micromanaging Focuses on improving performance rather than punishing mistakes Effective feedback often includes…
Losing a colleague under any circumstances is difficult. The death may bring back issues you thought were resolved. Here are some common reactions: Disbelief. Realizing that someone who shared your daily life is gone may be disorienting. The sense that something is missing can be strong. Sadness and anger. The death of a colleague may…
Social or political tensions that boil over could result in a workplace confrontation. Conflict could develop between employees or cliques with differing views, or between an external party (such as a customer or vendor) and an employee. Here are some tips for handling both types of disagreements. If the confrontation is between two or more…
As election season heats up, disagreements between colleagues may become more pronounced. Fundamental differences in political and ideological views can sometimes result in strained work relationships. These tensions may increase in the lead-up to or aftermath of an election. Often, these personality clashes aren’t just about specific issues in the news. They may also be…
Protests may bring out strong emotions and could lead to conflicts in a friendship. Here are some suggestions for managing differences: Respect differences. No two people are going to see eye-to-eye on everything. It’s okay to agree to disagree. Find common ground. It’s likely you and your friend share many beliefs and values. Identifying areas…