The emergence of the Delta variant as the pandemic was starting to ease, tensions over vaccine mandates, staffing shortages, budgets stretched thin, and disasters from hurricanes and floods to wildfires have people on edge, stressed out, and anxious. It’s enough to move some people into the jerk zone. But it’s important to turn down the heat and create a jerk-free zone:
- Keep it civil. Treating people with respect needs to be a firm and fast rule. It is essential not to be judgmental and to allow everyone to maintain their self-esteem and confidence.
- Disagreement is okay. Conflicts happen, and they are a normal part of work and life. But it’s important to keep it civil and to listen with an open mind to the other side.
- Keep it solution-oriented. When there are problems, address them promptly and directly, while avoiding blame and finger-pointing. Look for root causes and system-related issues that led to the problem.
- Don’t ignore the elephant in the room. Don’t avoid confrontations or uncomfortable conversations. This won’t make them disappear; it’s likely to make them worse. Focus on the good that can come out of the situation.
- Talk first, then write. If you have controversial or difficult situation to address, do it with the spoken word – via phone or in person. Then follow it up with a summary of the discussion, as needed.
