A Manager's Guide to the Emotional Workplace

A Manager's Guide to the Emotional Workplace

I chose to view the above webinar.  The main focus of the webinar was to learn to deal with sensitive issues in the workplace and learn to diffuse emotionally charged situations.
It was pointed out that many times a small problem grows larger when we tend to ignore the problem in hopes that it will resolve itself.  The problem can go from small to large then to a crisis situation.  Once it reaches the crisis situation managers wanting to get the issue resolved quickly often offer poor solutions and end up damaging relationships within the workplace.
One of the main goals in dealing with emotion in the workplace is to recognize those involved and their feelings and truly listen to their dilemma.  Managers should work the issue through with all  workers involved.  In listening to the employee's needs, managers should refrain from beginning to analyze someone else's thinking process.  Let the employee tell you what it going on and why they are feeling a certain way.  Also when dealing with emotions the manager should strive to create an atmosphere that is less defensive in nature.  Don't make the employee feel they have to defend their feelings.  Listening is the key to resolving the matter.  By listening and thus causing the employee to share the nature of the problem you can increase your creativity and problem solving by being open therefore ensuring resolution of the conflict.