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As a web entrepreneur, you face many challenges in your professional environment. Among these, toxicity and conflict can be particularly difficult to manage. Interpersonal relationships are critical to the success of your business, and when these relationships are toxic or conflictual they can affect your business significantly. In this article, we will look at how to manage these issues in an effective and caring way. Be aware that there is no recipe " miracle ” to avoid this kind of situation, but it is possible to know how to manage them better!

1. Be proactive

The first step to managing these situations in your company is to be proactive. Establish a corporate culture that emphasizes open communication and mutual respect from the outset. Define clear policies and procedures for resolving problems. Make sure everyone involved understands and respects these policies and procedures.

2. Recognizing signs of toxicity and conflict

The second step in solving a problem is to recognize it. In the case of toxicity and conflict, this means recognizing the warning signs. These signs can include passive-aggressive behavior, critical comments, insults or personal attacks. If you notice these signs in a colleague, partner, customer or team member, it's important to address them as soon as possible.

Here are some tactics that can help you better recognize the signs of toxicity and conflict:

1. Listen carefully: Listen carefully to the conversations you have with your colleagues and team. If you notice someone using an aggressive tone or speaking negatively in a repetitive manner, this may be a sign.
2. Watch for changes in behavior: If you notice a sudden change in the behavior of a colleague or team member, it may be a sign of conflict or stress. For example, if someone becomes more agitated, more distant or less involved in work, this may indicate a problem.
3. Look for non-verbal cues: Non-verbal signs, such as facial expression and posture, can also be indicators. If you notice that someone seems tense or upset, it may be a sign that there's a problem.
4. Be aware of rumors and negativity: If you hear rumors or negativity around you, it may be a sign. Rumors can cause tension and conflict between team members.
5. Evaluate interpersonal relationships: Interpersonal relations are often a good indicator of the health of the working environment. If team members don't seem to get on well, or if they avoid each other, this may indicate a problem.

3. Tackle the problem professionally

When confronted with toxic or confrontational behavior, it's important to deal with it professionally. This means having a frank and respectful conversation with the person concerned. Try to approach the problem constructively, using non-accusatory language and stating objective facts rather than subjective opinions.

4. Listen to the other person's concerns

When dealing with this kind of problem, it's important to take the other person's concerns into account. Try to understand where his or her behavior or critical comments are coming from. Is he or she stressed, frustrated or dissatisfied with his or your work? Understanding the other person's concerns can help to resolve the problem effectively.

To be able to better listen to your fellow man, there is a way often used in psychology called active listening.

What is active listening?

Active listening is a communication skill that involves listening attentively to the other person, understanding their perspective and responding in a constructive and caring way. It involves being attentive to the other person's emotions, opinions and concerns, asking questions to clarify misunderstandings, and rephrasing key points to demonstrate mutual understanding. Active listening can help build positive interpersonal relationships, improve communication and solve problems collaboratively and effectively.

When listening to the other person's concerns, here are some active listening techniques you can use:

1. Show empathy: Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their perspective. Listen carefully to what they're saying and show that you understand their concerns.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Ask open-ended questions to encourage the person to go deeper into their concerns. For example, ask them to elaborate on the details or reasons why they feel this way.
3. Summarize and restate: Summarize or rephrase the key points the person has made to show that you've understood their position. This can also help clarify misunderstandings and avoid communication problems.
4. Avoid judgment: Avoid making judgments about the person's feelings or opinions. Remain objective and open-minded to better understand their concerns.
5. Show that you take the time to listen: Let the person know that you take the time to listen carefully to their concerns and that you take their concerns seriously. This can help build trust and encourage open, honest communication.

5. Find collaborative solutions

When dealing with toxicity or conflict, it's important to find collaborative solutions. Try to work with the person concerned to find solutions that work for everyone. For example, you could suggest changes to communication or the way tasks are assigned to resolve the problem.

You can find other tips that may apply to a contractor's situation on the Government of Canada's CCOHS website.

Toxicity and conflict can be difficult to deal with, but they can be resolved effectively and sympathetically. As a web entrepreneur, maintaining positive interpersonal relationships is essential to the success of your business. By being proactive, recognizing warning signs, approaching the problem in a professional manner, listening to the other person's concerns and finding collaborative solutions, you can effectively solve problems that arise in your business environment. By working together to overcome challenges, you can create a more positive working environment and strengthen relationships with those who work with and around you.

We encourage you to try out these tips and share your results with us in the comments below. If you have any questions, please contact us here or visit our Q&A.