Question

Here is your chance to analyze an actual co-worker conflict situation and make suggestions on how to positively resolve this issue.

The #1 people issue I have is with a younger employee who has been speaking over me in meetings with external vendors.

I approached one of my co-workers to ask if they noticed it as well and they said of course - they were actually angrier than I was.

During the next few meetings I attempted different techniques to see if she'd notice she was talking over me but it was still happening. Eventually I pulled her aside and told her the issue I was having with her during meetings and explained it made us look unprofessional.

It worked for a few months but she ended up going back to her old ways. From then on, whenever she spoke over me in meetings, I would stop talking immediately and let her finish her sentence.

Sometimes she got flustered and would look back to me to finish up her thoughts but I wouldn't cut in.

I hope it reflected negatively on her, and not myself or the company.

1. The employee relaying her upset used 2 conflict styles. What are they and discuss their effectiveness in this situation? .
2. What is probably the root of this employee’s discontent? As well, why do you suppose the younger employee is interrupting this employee? Your answer will need to dig below the surface statements.
3. As the manager of these two employees, how would you resolve this conflict? State the conflict resolution style you will use and the specific steps you will take.

Answer 1

1)The employee relaying her upset using competing and avoiding cobfluct styles

At first, she approached the younger colleague confronting her asking her to not speak in between the conversation.

Again after some time when she started repeating the same mistake, she starting avoiding her which put through a negative impression of younger colleague (also competitive in a certain way).

These styles have helped make her point very specific and clear to younger employee because it pertains to the image of the company. And in case of non adherence to her advice, he led to a loss lf young employee only.

2) Main and critical point in this situation of discontent is being involved with third parties while representing the company. In such a situation, if a younger employee cuts the senior one. Its a gesture of disrespect to the conversation that senior is conveying. Also, it indirectly shows that the younger employee is trying to put senikr down in front of third party. There may be 2 reasons for her to interrupt - It may be her nature to be ectra cautious in conversation trying to pprtray her vigilence during the conversation. Or she really wants to outshine in front of third parties.

3). As a Manager, I would deploy collaborative and accommodating conflict resolution style. Since It is very important in a team especially for senior members to be welcoming and accomodating towards new team members. Also collaborative because it becomes critical when ypu are dealing with third parties as a team. A collaborative approach in deliverables will give better perspective and showcase unity in team towards a specific goal.