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Tips for the management:
As with any matters involving employee relations, the onus is on the management to resolve matter of conflicts. The problem here is that in most of the cases involving boss-subordinate issues, the company human resources managers tend to look the other way, putting the blame on what is presumed to be the “difficult employee.” The boss is usually the one with power and in a game of power politicking, the subordinate is always deemed more dispensable than the supervisor.
However this is where most companies err in judgment because it’s often more costly to continuously replace employees while making up for lost productivity. The employer must take necessary steps to alleviate and resolve conflicts between employees, taking into account those workers that frequently exhibit the most egregious behavior.
The one with most complaints against them should be the focus of the attention and if this happens to the supervisor in question, it’s best that her direct report be alerted to the situation. The worst thing that company management can do is to do nothing.
Tips for employees and bosses:
For both women bosses and subordinates, it’s crucial to acknowledge how each member can contribute to the good of the company. Always assume that you have something to learn from the other— a boss can learn as much from her subordinates as much as the subordinates can learn from the boss.
Don’t feel threatened and insecure by someone who seems to know more than you. Use their knowledge to learn different and new ways of doing something. Thank the other person for showing you something new.
Praise each other when the opportunity arises— “Nice job on that presentation.” You will find compliments often get reciprocated. This is one of the best ways of dissolving some of the tension in your work relationship.
And always be open, honest and forgiving in an effort to develop that long-term positive relationship.
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Comments
I'm not sure why women have such a hard time working together. I remember my first week at a new job my co-worker accused me of trying to out-shine her. I was flabbergasted because I was just trying to do my best to keep up with her and learn the ropes. After we spoke about it, we became the best of friends but it would have been nice if she didn't assume I was trying to undermine her in the first place.
I hate my female cowrokers. they talk abt me behind my back because the male bosses favor me. I work hard, do an excellent job but its no use.
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