Managing Working Relationships

907 Words4 Pages
Managing Working Relationships No matter what business you are in, you will eventually have to work with a peer; whether it is co-worker, superior, or customer. Life will always be much easier if these working relationships are positive and beneficial to all parties involved. However, this is not always the case. You will not, and cannot have a good relationship with everybody that you come in contact with throughout your working life. Some of the most positive relationships that are found throughout any working environments are those in which both parties are able to learn from whom they are interacting with. In scientific terms it was a symbiotic relationship that equally benefits all parties involved. Although these relationships may be positive that is not to say that they are without their own struggles as Hoy (2004) states, “If you are a living, breathing human-being, you will have conflict.” Conflict is an inevitable part of life. What makes a relationship positive is how you are able to handle the conflict that arises in your relationships. Successful conflict-resolution is the key to any positive working relationship. Hoy (2004) lists three strategies to implement in order to successfully approach conflict within a work environment. The first strategy is a time out. Take the time to consider what exactly the conflict is and how you will respond to it. The second strategy is to sum up the other parties feelings or view points. Most conflict tends to arise when a person feels that their demands and views are not being heard. By paraphrasing their ideas you will not only show that you are listening, but also give yourself the opportunity to respond directly. The third strategy is to communicate your needs and wants effectively but firmly. By not directly stating what your conflict is and how you feel about it, you leave your ideas
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