Poor relationships with colleagues at work can cause stress. Try to
analyze relationships that could be improved and identify any problem areas. Is
it difficult to control your subordinates, for example, or are superiors
distant and unappreciative?
Experiencing change
New organizational structures lay great emphasis on teamwork. The
rapid growth of information technology can make middle managers obsolete by
reducing their function as communicators of information through an
organization. Redundancy of such managers and the consequent change in
corporate hierarchy are part of a process known as “flattening”.
Stress in a “flattened” company can arise because more people
find themselves working at a similar level of seniority, and this can lead to
greater competition. Employees are working more closely with their colleagues
than before, and their roles in a team can often overlap. The success of a
smooth-running and happy team depends on co-operation. If this is not present,
conflict is likely.
Cultural differences
The opportunities for misunderstanding that arise when working with
people from other countries can be intensely stressful.
If you do business with a society that is culturally different from
yours, familiarize yourself with the values espoused by that society. For
example, in Europe and the US, the age of senior staff is regarded as largely
irrelevant – in fact, youth is seen as being linked to energy. In East
Asia, however, age is respected as it is linked with experience and wisdom.
Senior managers may not expect to have dealings on an equal basis with a
younger person, and you should always be sensitive to this when negotiating
with someone of a different age.
Observing relationships
Despite corporate restructuring, relationships at work are still
largely influenced by hierarchy and by the level of cohesiveness in a group.
Factors such as length of service and different skill areas play a crucial role
in such work relationships. Look around your office: who goes to whom for help?
Who socializes together? Is anybody isolated, and do you know why? Are there
any rivalries?
Dealing with fellow workers
Manager
As a manager it is inevitable that you will come into contact
with people on all levels. Keep lines of communication open at all times to
avoid stressful misunderstandings and any resulting conflict.
Superior
Is your superior a reader (prefers written reports) or a
listener (prefers verbal information)? Communicate in the way they prefer to
maintain good relations.
Colleague
Team members may be competing with you for promotion. If you
work together, be aware of any conflict of interest, and do not assume you
share the same priorities.
Subordinate
Gain respect from subordinates by treating them as equals.
Encourage two-way dialogue so that they know what is going on, and can make a
positive contribution.
Analyzing problems
Layers of formality at work may make it difficult to confront a
relationship problem, but failure to do so means bottling it up, which can be
very stressful.
First, you need to identify the basic cause of the problem, then
talk to someone who understands the situation and can help. Common problems
between people include no feedback on decisions, office politics, uncertainty
about roles, unreasonable deadlines, and personality clashes. Once you have
analyzed the problem, you can decide on a solution.
TIP
Treat all staff with dignity and respect, regardless of their
positions or titles.
TIP
Give co-workers a treat to show your appreciation.
TIP
Have lunch with a new colleague to establish a working
relationship.
TIP
Introduce yourself to other people in your company by visiting
their offices.
TIP
Share the journey to work with a colleague who lives nearby.
