Seemingly insignificant problems in the workplace can, if allowed to fester, turn into debilitating conflicts that affect teams, departments, and even the entire organization. Is there an imminent crisis looming in your workplace? Here are some warning signs:
The same problems keep appearing. If you thought you solved the problem but it keeps resurfacing, be careful. This can only be the tip of the iceberg.
When a conflict starts to escalate, related issues keep popping up all around you. Sometimes we are surprised because we are so busy putting out small fires that we don’t even see the cause of the flames in the first place. And, if you don’t get to the root of the problem, the “little things” will keep coming back. If this is happening in your workplace, start looking for the real cause of the problems.
A flurry of “insignificant” problems. You may experience some of the domino effects before you realize the weight of the stone that has been thrown into the pond. Many minor complaints add up to one big problem.
Taken individually, the complaints may seem insignificant. And sometimes it’s tempting to look at each employee’s complaint or concern individually and dismiss it because it seems inconsequential. But if you hear similar complaints from more than one employee (even if you hear ongoing complaints from one employee), there is a reason for this. If employees complain, they are not working. And if they are distracted from their work, then you have a situation that needs to be addressed.
Secret cliques and informal meetings. Arguments around the water cooler and in the coffee room are normal. But if they’re exclusive or reserved (the group seems worried about who might overhear them), there’s more than just coffee brewing.
When people are unhappy or frustrated by a difficult situation at work, they speak up. It doesn’t take long for an entire workplace to be “poisoned” by one or two people. You can’t stop employees from talking to each other, but you can be on the lookout for negative and destructive gossip.