Employees Squabble??

Question

Two of my employees just can't get along. Both are headstrong. They have had yet another disagreement. One wants me to fire to other. And this time it was a big misunderstanding. However, the one employees tone was terrible, then the other stormed out. I am tired of plalying referee for these both valuable but childish employees. WHAT DO I DO?

Answer 1

You have to separate them, if you don't one of them will do it for you by quitting (and probably at a very inconvenient time for you). Their jobs probably require teamworking skills and at least one of them doesn't have that. No matter how valuable someone is, if they are in a team environment but don't have teamwork skills you don't need them. You might look for a new position that will better match the skills he does have. If he doesn't like being moved then let him quit, at least it would be under your terms.

Answer 2

Send them to a team building workshop/seminar and hope they don't turn around and gang up on you!

Can one of them be transferred to another department or office?

Is it just a personality clash, and they don't get along with each other or is there one (or both) who are just obnoxious and can't seem to get along with anyone? Maybe someone needs to go.

Do they have to work together? Can they each take a different shift to minimize contact? Can you make a new rule that they can only contact each other via email so there is a written record of what's going on to try to avoid misunderstandings?

It's terrible when adults behave worse than kids - I hate the drama!

Answer 3

Tell them that you expect them both to employ professionalism in their attitudes. This is a job, not a social event and they should treat it as such. Give them the option of acting like professionals or hitting the door.

Answer 4

Tell them they do not have to like each other
But when they come though that door they HAVE to respect each other. Period. Next time they fight send them both home