Its month #2 of the CRM implementation project and things are going pretty well. The toughest customer you have...Whit is slowly starting to engage with you and ask questions. Just last week he inquired about the cost and time impacts of expanding the project to include some more mobile app functionality. You spoke-gave him a rough estimate (3 months and 30,000 dollars) and said you'd sure it up later. He asked you to keep it quiet as he was not sure he wanted to add the scope.

As part of the regular update you also disclosed this information to your micro manager boss. You told him the confidential nature.

 

It's now Monday....next week

You come into the office still confident in progress. Your in a great mood actually and the weather is good. You even found 20 dollars on the subway.

You sit down and open your email.

There's an email from Whit. Its filled with anger and poison comments about how you betrayed his trust. He wants you fired and off the project and moreover he has banned you from his floor. What the hell happened?!?!!!!!!!

Your day is ruined and your thining about updating your resume. 

You talk to your boss and find out

1.      He told his boss the coo. Somehow the confidential part was miscommunicated

2.      The coo mentioned it to the cfo.

3.      The cfo called Whit complaining about cost over runs on a project that was just starting. 

4.      Whit knows his conversation with you leaked-unintentionally but-damage done.

What do you do now?

What strategies can you employ to recover the Whit relationship?

What protocols can be put in place to prevent this in the future?

How can you use the organization to help heal?

How do you keep from being fired-Whit is composing a memo now and it will be sent to the head of HR and the cool.

 

In this case of conflict with the colleague and the top management, I will not start an argument as it will not convince them but rather, I will try to present my point of view concisely. I will also not become emotional with Whit but rather use my reason of understanding between my adversary and try to find value in the other's point of view. When I find out I will let my adversary know.

To recover the lost relationship with Whit, I would follow the following steps.

Step-by-step explanation

·         Knowing myself first by assessing my motives with clear intentions of offering and seeking forgiveness and also considering there is no perfect time to reach out to the other person.

·         Humbling myself by accepting the risk of being vulnerable as well as accepting that there's are no guarantees for reconciliation with Whit.

·         Listening for understanding by taking time to understand the viewpoint of Whit.

·         Having realistic expectations.

Some several strategies and protocols can be used to prevent future conflicts.

·         Providing conflict resolution training to develop employees' skills they need to successfully resolve the conflicts that occur in their lives.

·         Providing communication skills.

·         Help staff develops positive work relationships.

·         Creating an environment that encourages participation.

·         Making sure employees are clear about organizational goals and priorities.

The organization can help me heal by offering post-conflict recovery remedies which mostly include peaceful talks and rebuilding the conflict-affected relationship with Whit by also talking to him.

Just because I fell out of favor or Whit who is writing a memo doesn't mean that I will resign myself to my fate but instead, I will;

·         Talk to the boss by scheduling a meeting with my supervisor and address the fact that there is some dissatisfaction with my performance and ask for an action plan to bring my work back into compliance.

·         Listen to what my employer has to say

·         Covering everything essential regarding my performance before and after the conflict with Whit and promising that such a conflict won't occur again.