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Employee Relations: Ending Staff Rivalries

Barbara Jaurequi
Mar 25, 2014
Shutterstock | CWA Studios
Shutterstock | CWA Studios
Shutterstock | CWA StudiosShutterstock | CWA StudiosEmployee rivalry works the same way as sibling rivalry, with the employees in a competitive relationship, striving for greater approval from their employer or manager. Here are some quick strategies to improve relations:

1) Be willing to separate rivaling employees. This requires minimal managerial exertion. Consider that some personalities may grate on the nerves of some. Often rivaling employees just don't like each other.

2) Know your limits. If it has become a major disruption, consider having a simple, private discussion with each of the rivaling employees. Don't make a big deal out of a small matter but don't ignore a spreading cancer, either.

3) Don't strive for perfect fairness. Don't expect yourself to be perfectly "fair." Rather, strive to treat employees impartially. If employees cry "Unfair!" tell them they do not have, nor are privy to, all the information that went into your decision. Be unemotional, calm, deliberate and firm. 

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