Avoid Work Tension and Potential Conflict

It is not unusual sometimes to have tensions building up in the work spot. While by and large things could go on smoothly, there are times when due to absence of two or three people or sudden pressure from some customers meeting deadlines could cause anxiety. Suddenly we find everyone from top to bottom losing their heads and shouting at others. Can this be avoided? Or could you do something about this to restore a calm atmosphere?

In all good organizations there is proper division of work and responsibility. Normally there should no scope for one losing a certain poise and shout at others unexpectedly for slovenliness or sluggishness in the work. However, sometime even the best of the well-laid out plans go awry leading to chaos and pandemonium.

At times like that people would not mind going a little out of their way to sort out things. And the affected small group or a single person facing unpleasantness would not mind due help to bail him out either. Here, in case you are familiar with what has gone wrong and how that could be rectified, should boldly explain the position to the person in charge. It is true that in his discomfiture he would not welcome your suggestions or may even ask you to mind your business. It is here that you show your patience not so much as a virtue but as a necessity for the over all well being of the institution.

You can calmly point out how or why things have gone wrong and explain procedures for correcting the same. People generally do not like to receive advice at such time but when once they understand your sincerity they would willingly implement your suggestion and try to get out of the mess.

Now of course, this cannot be a daily occurrence and nor should you bother with constant offer of advices. But in any good organization there is bound to be self-examining sessions and you can make your suggestions without hurting others' pride. The management would be very much appreciative of your efforts because you have chosen to take up the responsibility to deliver order out of chaos and had probably saved the face of the organization.

There is one pitfall in this as well. Human nature, being what it is, is not always altruistic and understanding. Your good motives could be misunderstood. That is where you have to show a deeper understanding of human nature. You don't have to feel that you are entitled to some special privileges because you have been a troubleshooter. Far from it.

In these tips you have seen that as most of your waking time is spent in the work spot your personality is made or unmade there depending upon how well you put to use your talents. And in that context where there is true evolution of an individual, or at least an attempt to evolve into a refined personality, the individual would not clamor for attention or adulations but would only be too happy to contribute to the general smooth-going. If you view any situation from that point you will have no occasion to feel disappointed that your suggestions were not taken in right spirit.