Difficult Clients? Employees? Turn Conflict Into Collaboration
By: A Staff Writer
Updated on: Jul 09, 2024
Difficult Clients? Employees? Turn Conflict Into Collaboration
Sometimes the biggest conflicts are with those you NEED to work with (think nightmare client, or key employee).
We write these people off as “difficult,” but walking away isn’t always an option, and resentment poisons your business.
- Seek shared goals: What do you BOTH want to achieve, even if the path is disputed?
- Clear expectations upfront: Contracts, job descriptions, etc., prevent mismatched assumptions fueling conflict.
- Boundaries are your friend: What you will/won’t tolerate, communicated calmly and firmly.
- Pick your battles: Is this hill worth dying on, or can you concede something small for overall peace?
- External mediator (if needed): An unbiased 3rd party can work wonders when it’s deadlock.
- Know when to cut ties: Some relationships are just toxic, protect your business AND your sanity.
Share a time you successfully navigated a difficult client/employee situation.
Review your contracts/job descriptions. Are there areas where clearer expectations could prevent future conflict?