Lessen the labels and work stereotypes

Drew Stevens

Many people at work tend to get labeled with names such as:

• The Traditionalist
• The Egotist
• The Brick Wall
• The Guilt Tripper
• The Round Tuit

There is also....

• The neurotic
• The politician
• The psychotic
• The depressed

And finally...

• I'm simply sick and tired

There are behavioral patterns of those that you often see and discuss at work from time to time. I thought it best that to resolve conflict with someone that seems to have some type of labeling issue it is always best to have following actions:

1. Don’t make it personal, focus on the facts of the issue. Become as objective as possible and never state anything from a personal situation.
2. Find cause, not blame. If managing certain situations and those labels, always stick to the job description, the standards of the job as well as the individual goals and objectives.
3. Don't fall into the trap of also blaming others. Your job as a manager is simply to be objective and not get trapped into emulating your employee’s behavior.
4. Which then reminds me never fall to rumor and speculation.
5. Always ask what can be done to avoid the problem in the future. Ask the employee or suggestion including the matter.
6. Always affix clear accountabilities that cannot be denied. At the end of the day it is all about results.
7. And finally establish a buck stops here mentality and enforce it. If managing you must show that you are the boss.

© 2011. Drew Stevens PhD. All rights reserved. Drew Stevens PhD works with organizations that struggle with productivity that effects profits. Dr. Drew works with senior officers and their direction reports to dramatically increase relationships that build higher morale. He can be reached through his website at www.stevensconsultinggroup.com