by Todd Pheifer

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

It is a rare thing for an employee to desire conflict with their supervisor. A few people enjoy the thrill of the fight, but most would rather not "lock horns" with the person who controls their raises, hours, and job status. Still, there are times where conflict will arise and people need to know what to do. Here are a few thoughts on how to handle conflict with one's boss.

Pay attention

The best strategy to avoid conflict is to listen, watch, and pay attention. In other words, a savvy employee will try to figure out what makes the boss happy and what "pushes their buttons." Everyone has their own set of beliefs, styles, and comfort zones. The boss will react when people say the wrong thing at the wrong time. If people pay attention, they can avoid those types of situations.

Express behind closed doors

If a viewpoint must be expressed, it is often better to do it behind closed doors. Even if the supervisor is doing something wrong, they probably don't want to be confronted in a public setting like a meeting. Therefore, the boss may be more open to questions and concerns if they do not have to worry about being embarrassed in the meeting room.

Get off-site

Sometimes conflicts are best handled in a location that is not the office. There are some supervisors that are able to be "normal" even in the office, but some feel that must maintain a certain image when they are behind that desk. Getting them off-site for a coffee or lunch may make it easier and less threatening to talk about issues that need to be resolved.

Leave it alone

There are times where people just have to leave things alone. Again, if they have paid attention, they should have a sense of what the boss really believes in and what they will negotiate. Going after the sacred beliefs of the boss may be a waste of time if others have tried and failed in the past. There is drive and ambition, and then there is just good sense. In addition, there are some supervisors that just do not want to be challenged. Ever.

Give solutions

Finally, people have to remember that the supervisor wants solutions to the problem, not just complaints. If people are going to create a conflict over an issue, they need to come up with viable alternative that has some benefit to the parties involved. Simply venting because one doesn't like something won't necessarily provide a better alternative.

Overall, conflict with the boss should be handled with care. At some point people may need to address certain issues but they should also remember that some supervisors feel an obligation to defend their turf. Therefore, people should understand the broad ramifications of starting a conflict with the boss. It may lead to solutions or it could lead to more vocational problems down the road.

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