Every company is composed of employees with very different personality types. In many ways, this is fantastic, because it takes a diverse group of people to help a company achieve success and maintain it. However, this can also be problematic, because certain types of people are seemingly born to clash.
PrideStaff Las Vegas — one of the leading temp agencies in Las Vegas — understands
you probably get along better with some co-workers than others, since you don’t get to choose your peers. Most of the time this is probably fine, but at some point, you may come head-to-head with a colleague in a heated argument. If you find yourself in this situation, take the high road by using one of these approaches to de-escalate the situation.
Listen to Their Side of the Story
Talking over the other person will only make things more intense, so give them the floor. Let them explain their perspective without interruption. Listen carefully and take what they’re saying to heart. When they’re finished, ask for the same respect to say your piece. After hearing each other’s side of the story, you’ll be better equipped to work together to find a resolution that pleases both of you.
Maintain a Professional Dialogue
When you’re angry, it can be tempting to hit the other person hard with insults that really hurt, but don’t go there. Keep the conversation strictly professional, avoiding comments about the way the person looks, their family or anything else that crosses a line. Slinging childish insults reflects poorly on you, so avoid this talk at all costs — even if the other person goes there. If they get nasty, refuse to continue the conversation until all personal attacks stop.
Agree to Disagree
Sometimes it really doesn’t matter if your opinion differs from a colleague’s. If the outcome of the argument has no bearing on your work, put it to rest by agreeing not to see eye to eye. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs — even if they conflict with yours — so respect that. Life would be boring if everyone shared the same thought process.
Walk Away From the Situation
If the other person is being completely unreasonable, there’s no need to continue the argument. It’s fine for a colleague to politely disagree with your viewpoints, but it’s not okay to insult you. Walk away and alert your boss of the situation. Sometimes a third party is needed to intervene and help settle the matter.
Find a New Job That Makes You Happy
If your current gig isn’t a good match for your skills, personality and future goals, it’s time to move on. At PrideStaff Las Vegas, we know how hard it is to find the right fit, and we want to help! Contact us today to start your search for a fulfilling temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire opportunity one of the area’s top employers.
