Avoiding Fights on the Job

Find yourself quarreling with colleagues? Follow these ground rules for getting along with others.

by Michele Novotni, Ph.D.

• Always look for win-win ideas.

• Make sure the proposals you offer and the positions you take are in alignment with the company's values and priorities.

• Before proposing a potentially controversial idea at a large meeting, test the waters by meeting in advance with some of the attendees.

• State your position calmly and clearly. It may be helpful to break down your position into bullet points.

• Stick to the facts so as to avoid becoming emotional. ADDers sometimes lose their jobs after making inappropriate comments in the heat of the moment.

• If you get angry, "reset" your emotions with a 30-minute break. Do something unrelated to the situation that caused your anger.