Handling Workplace Conflict and AAPI Month
Asana Recovery Weekly Team Update May 2, 2023
Training Tools
Handling Workplace Conflict
Conflict happens. We’re human, and no two of us are identical. Each of us has our own opinions, styles, goals, and past experiences. Whether in a family unit, at the workplace, or out in general society, any time two or more humans interact, there’s a potential for conflict.
Conflict Can Have Benefits
But, here’s the most important thing to know about conflict: It’s not always bad. In fact, it can even lead to improvements, if the people involved can maintain - or cultivate - three things:
Open-Mindedness
Calmness
Respectfulness
Conflict isn’t always serious, though. Nor is it always negative. Learning how to recognize and work through interpersonal conflict in productive, healthy ways is an important skill that can help you have better relationships in your day-to-day life. - How to Handle Interpersonal Conflict Like a Pro
Not only is learning to handle interpersonal conflict a necessary skill for healthy relationships of all kinds, but in the workplace, conflict can lead to:
Creativity. When looked at from a solution-minded perspective, “conflict” can equal “brainstorming.”
New solutions, thinking “outside the box”
Increased interaction between co-workers
Learning new ideas and skills
Tools for Handling Conflict
So, how do you turn conflict with your co-workers into a useful tool for improving your company?
Use active listening. This means you’re listening - not to come up with your own response, or find fault with the other person - but to really understand the other person’s point of view.
Use empathy for the other person and strive for objectivity or impartiality in considering the situation.
Improve your communication. It’s astounding - and slightly tragic - how many conflicts arise from simple miscommunication. Repeat back what you hear the other person say to make sure you understand. Ask questions to make sure they understand what you’re trying to communicate.
Get help from appropriate people (like HR or your supervisor) if you’re not able to resolve the conflict on your own. But absolutely do not gossip. The only time to talk about someone else is if you’re communicating directly to them (ideally compassionately) or if you’re making an official, confidential report following the appropriate protocols.
For more tips and ideas for resolving workplace conflict, here are some helpful articles:
Overcoming Interpersonal Conflict at Work
Interpersonal Conflict: How to Manage it and Learn From it
Team Member Shout-Out
HR appreciates perfect attendance! Starting May 1st, any employee who has perfect attendance/no call-out for the month of May will be entered into our Surprise Speaker Giveaway!
Coming Up in May: Asana Softball Day
Get your gloves and bats ready -We will announce the date soon!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to the rich tapestry of American culture. This month honors the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, including those who immigrated from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It's an opportunity to recognize the many ways in which Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have enriched our society and helped to shape the United States into the diverse and vibrant nation that it is today.
Trivia
Question: Why is Asian-Pacific American Heritage celebrated in May?
Contact HR with your response for the chance to win a gift card!
The answer to last week’s trivia question: The first ever documented game of softball as we know it (which occurred in 1887) used a boxing glove tied into a tight ball. The sport immediately became popular but was known by a variety of names until 1926 when the term “softball” was adopted - though it covered any number of variations of the game. Ten years later, the Joint Rules Committee of Softball standardized the rules and naming across the United States.
If you’ve ever been hit with a softball, you might argue the name, but a boxing glove is, at least marginally, softer than the baseballs of the early 1900s!
Last week’s winner was: Sabrina J.