Relationships are the juice that attracts people to each other.  When colleagues have strong bonds and trust, they’re inspired to want to spend time together and work cohesively and collaboratively. Strong relationships can exponentially help in many ways, like breezing through conflict that may arise or maintaining a connection, even in the absence of being in person. Feeling peace with those around you can help you stay focused on the work that you were hired to do and be most productive, and while you are making a good contribution to a winning culture, you’ll also be advancing your career as a leader that others WANT to follow, regardless of your title.

Sandbox Strategies for the NEW Workplace is a book that I wrote to help those who work with others because almost everyone understands the metaphor, and readers think: “Hey, sandbox fun — let’s play!” The caveat here is that it’s challenging, especially since the pandemic which shifted attitudes and priorities.

Which Category Are You In?

A funny part about teaching groups about PLAY NICE techniques, is that most people are quite sure they fit into the NICE category, and they’re just waiting for the not-so-nice ones to get called out. Can you relate? Let’s be honest…the workplace would be so much better if it weren’t for OTHER people!

I have had my share of relationship struggles, and probably just like you, I’m still learning to move through conflict without damaging relationships. This can be hard no matter who you are. When we’re upset, we don’t always do the right thing. Case in point: When Will Smith smacked Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. One wrong move will influence his entire future. Physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse is intolerable today. We must be responsible for our actions, our attitudes, and the results that we want from our careers. Think about being response-able – meaning … able to choose your response. It’s not easy to master, but it’s a skill that you don’t want to be without, so just keep practicing.

Conflict is inevitable in our lives, but suffering is optional. Avoidance is not a solution. Most people avoid conflict because it has an awkwardness or discomfort about it. Even the word itself sounds like combat, but the truth is that healthy teams and partnerships embrace conflict because it makes them stronger.

How Can We Avoid Conflict?

As you increase your ability to get through challenging times in the best possible way, you will be increasing your ‘sandbox factor’. According to SHRM, the Society of Human Resource Management, the first steps to conflict resolution at work belong to the individuals who are at odds with each other[i]. The employer’s role is significant and grounded in workplace culture development designed to prevent conflict among employees to the extent possible. The primary onus lies with each one of us, to be responsible (response-able) for our actions, attitudes, and the results that we want from our careers.

This leadership tip was inspired by my newest book, Sandbox Strategies for the New Workplace and will help you position yourself for good play, which requires an awareness of what you’re bringing (or not bringing) into the workplace sandbox.

Penny

Learn the strategies that will help your team resolve conflict in the NEW workplace.

• Embrace, accept, and welcome conflicting values
• Understand the importance of collaborative relationships for career advancement
• Take responsibility to co-create a winning culture with productive and profitable results
• Empathize with coworkers and even competitors to be the leader others WANT to follow

Press Appearances:

• CEOWorld Magazine 
• Blue Heron Journal
• Mareo McCracken
• EverydayMBA, Host: Kevin Craine 
• Savvy Business
• Swimming in the Flood
• Get Down to Business
• HR.com Leadership Excellence
• Indian Management Magazine
• Stay tuned, more coming soon…