How to Manage Conflict Among Direct Reports

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When is it your job to mediate that situation and when is it not? You want the conflict to be resolved at the lowest possible level. If you can help them resolve the conflict as opposed to stepping in with authority or direction, it's going to go much better over the long run. And I would encourage coaching first, maybe separately, right?

People management consists of a fair amount of mediation and diplomacy, and you can’t expect to get the hang of it right away. You’re in the middle of a lot now. Initiating difficult conversations, and then getting all the way through them, takes planning and practice (and sometimes even a breather). Holding tension takes restraint.

Amy B and Kelsey interview Amy G about the types of conflict that new managers should expect to handle, as well as options for responding. They talk through real experiences and common scenarios. Like that time Kelsey needed to tell a direct report they were falling short of her expectations (but didn’t end up saying anything). Or that time Amy G started reporting to a friend. They also give guidance for intervening or not when team members are arguing and for discreetly clueing your group in about the office politics going on.

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