Handling Workplace Conflict

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace. The reason being that just like you can’t choose your family, you can’t choose your co-workers either. Most offices are a melting pot of ideas, backgrounds, and cultures. Workplace diversity is a definite advantage but this mix of personalities can also result in misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Handling conflict is not something everyone enjoys. In fact most people prefer to ignore or avoid conflict rather than addressing it head on. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with workplace conflict:

1. Consider the cause

Conflicts do not arise out of the blue. They’re often the result of a misunderstanding. It’s important to consider the cause of conflict as this will help you determine how to diffuse it. Try to think of what occurred in the past days or weeks that may result in a conflict. If you cannot understand the cause simply ask the person who is engaged in a conflict with you why they are upset or displeased.

2. Keep an open mind

Adopting an unbiased view in a conflict situation is much easier said than done. We often feel like we are being blamed or victimized and it’s very difficult to think otherwise. However keep in mind that your workplace is a professional environment and attempt to take on an objective stance during a conflict, try not to let other co-workers or peers influence your opinion,

3. Listen

The best communicators listen more than they talk. Being an active listener and gaining an understanding of the other person’s point of view is essential to resolving a conflict. When you ask someone what is wrong be ready to listen to what they have to say, even though it may not  be what you want to hear. Make eye contact while listening and nod your head to acknowledge what they’re saying. Remain composed and do not react in anger if what you hear is unpleasant or insulting, wait for your turn to talk but don’t retaliate and lash out.

4. Empathize

Empathy is an important skill in conflict resolution. You need to be able to recognize and understand the feelings of others involved in the conflict. Expressing empathy and being aware of how people are feeling is crucial to being able to provide a solution. You can express empathy by using phrases such as “I understand your frustration” or “ I can appreciate your displeasure with the current situation”

5. Be accountable

When addressing conflicts you will most likely have some blame placed on you by the other party involved. Accountability is key when resolving a conflict. If you have indeed done something to offend them promptly apologize. If your actions were simply misunderstood and you firmly believe you did nothing wrong resist the urge to lash out at the other party; instead use a statement such as “I’m sorry you feel that way, I can assure it was not my intention to offend you” or “I believe my actions were misinterpreted, I’m sorry about the confusion”. Using the words  like apologize and sorry does not mean you are retreating, it just shows your understanding of the situation and your regret in potentially causing offense or hurt.

6. Bring in a mediator

Sometimes an impartial third party is needed to mediate a conflict. This situation arises when open communication between the two conflicting parties is not feasible. When choosing a mediator be sure to choose someone that will recognize the concerns of both parties and give equal importance to both. It’s a good idea to choose someone from a different department or even rely on a Human Resources professional to do the job as he/she will be better equipped to deal with such issues. Mediation is usually a last resort if feuding co-workers simply cannot come to a consensus. 


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

10 Dining Etiquette Do's and Don'ts

Dining etiquette is often overlooked and discounted as frivolous when it comes to projecting a professional image. However, with more business meetings being conducted over lunch or dinner dining etiquette has taken on a more central role in the corporate world.

Here’s a look at 10 do’s and don’ts of dining etiquette. This content comes straight from our program Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

1. Don’t tuck your napkin in to your shirt

Your napkin should lay across your lap with the folded end closest to you. Although it might be tempting for some gentlemen to protect their favourite work shirt or tie, tucking your napkin in to your shirt collar is never an option.

2. Refrain from using cutlery to gesture at the table

This is a common mistake people make when talking at the table. When you’re speaking put your cutlery down, the last thing you want to do is point your fork or knife at a potential client or business contact, this comes across as dangerous and somewhat threatening.

3. Keep your cell phone off the table

Although many of us feel the need to have our phones with us at all times resist the urge to text, call, or use social media during a business lunch or dinner. By keeping your phone out of sight and stored away in your purse, bag, or jacket pocket you will not be tempted to refer to it during your meal. Make sure your phone is on silent. If you are indeed expecting a call, inform the person you are dining with and excuse yourself from the table to take the call.

4. Avoid primping at the table

Many ladies feel the need to touch up their lipstick after a meal. Though projecting a professional image is essential, hair and make up should be reserved for the ladies room and not the dining table. Resist the urge to break out a compact mirror to check your make up and touch up lipstick.

5. Your napkin is not a tissue

Never use your napkin to blow your nose at the table. Your napkin should only be used to dab the corners of your mouth. If you have a runny nose simply excuse yourself and retire to the washroom to blow your nose.

6.  If it falls leave it on the floor

If you happen to drop your napkin or cutlery on the floor during the course of your meal do not pick it up and resume eating. Simply call the waiter over, explain what happened and ask for a fresh fork, knife, or napkin. Although it may seem like common sense to pick it up, keep in mind that you are at a professional business meeting and reaching under the table will make for an awkward moment and come across as unprofessional.

7. Too hot to handle? Don’t blow on it!

If your food is too hot to eat right away, resist the urge to blow on it before taking a bite. Instead wait a few minutes for it to cool down. If others are waiting for you to commence eating simply explain the situation to them and encourage them to proceed.

8. Don’t be picky!

Some restaurants provide you with toothpicks at the end of the meal. Toothpicks should never be used at the table. If you need to use a toothpick to get food out of your teeth, you should always excuse yourself and retire to the washroom. Although toothpicks are presented at the table they should not be used at the table.

9. Never chew with your mouth open

Your food should stay in your mouth while you’re eating. Do not open your mouth and chew food to the side of your mouth. You should also avoid talking with your mouth full as you will risk being rude and possibly spitting food at your colleagues.

10. Maintain good posture

As your mother always told you : keep your elbows off the table. Placing your elbows on the table causes you to hunch or slouch with sends the message that you’re not really engaged in the business meeting. Make sure you sit upright with your hands either folded in your lap or placed on your thighs. You may also rest your wrists on the table but make sure you are sitting up straight. Good posture is a sign of confidence!

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

6 Introduction Mistakes To Avoid

Introducing yourself and others to key contacts is essential for building business relationships and networking effectively. However there are pitfalls that many professionals can avoid when making introductions.

Here’s a look at 6 introduction mistakes to avoid. This information comes straight from our program How to be a Polite Professional

 1. Looking away: Looking away when you are being introduced to someone gives off the impression that you are disinterested and don’t care about who you are meeting. Always maintain eye contact when being introduced

 2. Making overly personal comments: When introducing someone to a group you should give a piece of information about them. Avoid alluding to divorce, job loss, illness or any sensitive topic. Instead stick to their job title, where they work or what field they’re in. You can even indicate how you met them.

3. Interrupting: Don’t break in to a conversation or simply force yourself into one. Wait until you are introduced to the group or brought in to the conversation.

4. Deferring to one person: Avoid speaking only to one person and ignoring the others in the group. This behaviour is especially prevalent in groups of 3, and makes the person being ignored feel awkward. Make sure you engage with everyone in your group and at least make eye contact and acknowledge people you are not immediately speaking to.

5. Overly enthusiastic introductions: It’s always nice to highlight something positive about the person you are introducing but keep it within reason. Don’t introduce colleagues or clients with superfluous introductions as these tend to embarrass people. Avoid using phrases such as “the smartest person at our firm” “the greatest” “ the most accomplished”  “ the most amazing” etc. These come off as unprofessional and a little immature.

6. Making someone wait to be introduced: Introduce any newcomers to the group immediately, making people wait causes them to feel left out, embarrassed and awkward.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Building Your Personal Brand

Building your personal brand is something that has become essential for all professionals young and old in the current global economy. Your “Brand” dictates how others identify and perceive you.

Here are a few tips on building and maintaining your personal brand.

1. Identify your specialty
What are you good at? In order to create an effective brand you need to figure out what sets you apart from the competition. What can you do well that others cannot? What is your area of expertise?  Your specialty may be a result of your educational background, your personality or natural talent.

2. What kind of image would you like to project?

You need to identify how you want others to perceive you. This will depend largely on your specific field of work and expertise. For example if your field is IT you may want others to perceive you as a intelligent, technically sound, punctual and professional. In this field it may not be a disadvantage to be perceived as a “nerd”. If your field is Public Relations for example, being perceived as shy and nerdy may be a disadvantage as this field requires an extroverted and outgoing personality.

3. Be active on Social Media
Social media is a valuable tool to help you build and promote your personal brand. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are all outlets for expressing yourself and getting your message across. It’s important to be YOU on these social networking sites.  If you are posting a photo of yourself make sure it’s professional, true to your brand, appropriate and authentic. Avoid hiding behind fancy usernames and fake photos, this defeats the purpose of building your own brand.

4. Maintain a polished and up to date CV or Resume
Your CV or Resume showcases your achievements. Make sure you have it up to date and ready to go in case clients or potential employers request for it.  Having a current CV on hand is key to promoting and supporting your personal brand as you can have a hard copy of what you have achieved thus far. As soon as you obtain any new education or training, be sure to add it to your CV. For more information on resumes check out our post Resume Writing Tips

5. Expand your network

Expanding your network of contacts and building new connections is a great way to build your personal brand, as more people will be aware of your expertise. Forming mutually beneficial relationships is key as contacts will have an incentive for staying in touch with you, and you will be in touch with more people. Don’t be shy, seek out the people you need to meet and introduce yourself!

6. Market yourself at networking events

Self marketing is an important component of building your personal brand. Getting your name out in the open is essential to making your brand synonymous with your  field. We recommend attending local networking events where you can make new connections and make others aware of your skills and expertise. Remember not to over promote; attend events to make connections but maintain brand consciousness and let others know what you’re good at and what you do.

7. Seek out feedback

In order to be successful in building your own brand you need to be aware of your strength and weaknesses as a brand. The best way to do this is via peer feedback. Ask friends and mentors to give you feedback on your brand. Remember to seek out constructive criticism from sources you trust; those who have your best interests in mind. We recommend linking up with other professionals who are also in the process of building their own brands and setting up a peer mentor group so you can provide each other with insight, feedback, and support.


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

10 Do's and Don'ts of Office Attire

1. Clothes that are poorly tailored and ill fitted are not appropriate for business wear.
Poorly tailored clothes make one look frumpy and ill clad for business. One must remember that first impressions count immensely in the business world and poorly tailored and ill fitting clothes will definitely not give out the image one wants to create in the business arena. Boxy blazers and tops as well as tight fitting tops are inappropriate for office wear. A well tailored suit/ blazer with pants or skirt will give out a professional look.

2. Overly revealing Clothing is a definite No. Too little is too much. 
Revealing clothing be it a low cut blouse or a mini skirt is a definite "NO NO" for the office. Skirts with slits that extend above the knee are not suitable.

3. Underwear is not to be worn as outerwear.
Camisoles are to be worn under a blazer and underwear should be "underwear" meaning they should be worn under other clothing and not to be seen. It portrays a ill image when bra straps are exposed or when pants are worn so low that it reveals underwear.

4. Muscle shirts and spandex is not appropriate. Workout gear is not suitable office wear.
Muscle shirts and spandex is  for working out and for the gym. Never for the office. It's very unprofessional to see one in work out gear, working in an office. This is very poor taste for Business Attire.

 5. Immaculately cleaned inexpensive clothing is far better than soiled and crumpled designer wear.
One doesn't have to buy expensive clothing to look well put together. Clean and well fitting clothing is far better than crumpled and soiled expensive clothing. the over all picture is the image you give out. A well groomed person gives a far better image than one in crumpled un-ironed designer wear.

6. Wearing shorts to work is considered wrong.  However, Walking shorts are considered appropriate in certain offices.
Most offices do not encourage shorts to work merely because shorts come in many different lengths. However, some offices do specify walking Shorts. shorts that extend up to the knee are appropriate when worn with a clean well tailored blouse. Shorts and t-shirt however, do not give a professional image.

7. Micro-miniskirts that make it impossible to sit comfortably are definitely not appreciated in the work place. 
As mentioned above, too little is never too good for the office. Minis skirts make it very uncomfortable for office work, not only for the wearer but also for the other employees.

8. Mismatched bright coloured clothing is actually not appropriate.
Its always best to avoid bright clothing in the office. Geometric designs or pastel floral designs are acceptable and make a personality statement. Polka dots in black and white or neutral colours are acceptable.

9. Most businesses have a dress code and it will do one well, to stick to the dress code.
Most offices want their employees to adhere to a dress code in order to avoid uncomfortable situations. It serves well to follow your office dress code and help avoid embarrassment.

10. Use common sense. Anything that indicates to you that it should not be worn, should not be worn.
Common Sense is the best guide to dressing appropriately in the work place. Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t!


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting