Partnering with Your Peers

Employees watch their managers to see how they problem solve, treat others and work with their peers. Your staff will know immediately if you are having difficulty with other managers. How do you build strong relationships with your peers…other managers.

You can’t control the behaviors of your peers, though you can think of creative ways to respond so that you are respectful to all members involved. One of the most important skills a manager can learn in business as well as personal, is listening. Everyone wants to be heard, even if you don’t agree with them. Conflicts happen when people work together, though how you handle the situation makes all of the difference in maintaining a strong working relationship. Take the time to see both sides of the issue, be clear around how you see the situation and share that information in a respective manager, and come to the table looking for a mutual solution.

Other ways to build strong working relationships with peers:

when they need support, be available and help them solve issues
if they make a mistake, be respectful in presenting it to them
be willing to make concessions as not everything is of the same importance
do not use email to present a problem, rather go face-to-face with the person
don’t embarrass anyone you work with, even if they deserve it.
if you make a mistake, own it immediately, and ask how you can rectify the situation

There are many ways to build cooperation among your peers. Think in terms of doing “what is right for the situation” and not only what you perceive should be done.

Be well,

Pat

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