How to Handle a Conflict in the Workplace With Another Secretary

Workplace conflict disrupts productivity and can damage overall office morale. Conflict may arise between employees who share similar positions or duties. Secretaries, for instance, may have disagreements from time to time. According to Mediate.com, the secretaries may develop competition between each other. By focusing less on the position and more on the interests and underlying causes, you can strive to resolve conflict without taking drastic measures. Although, it sometimes may be necessary.

• 1

  Speak to each secretary individually in private to glean the details of the conflict. Take comprehensive notes and analyze what the source could be.

• 2

  Ask the two secretaries to come in for a meeting. Explain that the purpose is the address the underlying issues of the conflict and to work toward a resolution. Hold the meeting in a neutral space, such as a conference room.

• 3

  Speak professionally and with empathy during the meeting. Lay out the ground rules for the discussion. Explain that neither secretary may personally attack the other. The goal is to delve into the conflict itself and avoid unproductive personal attacks.

• 4

  Allow the secretaries to address one another. Use the notes from your meetings with each one to mediate and facilitate the discussion. If the conflict is truly hostile, explain the consequences that will result if the behavior continues. These may be such actions as a transfer or termination.

• 5

  Stress that the secretaries do not have to like each other, but, in the workplace, they must exhibit professional behavior and respect at all times.