Entrepreneur

How to Handle Confrontation at Work

Confronting someone doesn't have to be a defensive maneuver or a counterattack.
Source: Chris Philpot

An email that says, “I don’t appreciate being spoken to that way” isn’t a confrontation; it’s a complaint. Yelling, “Whoever threw away the juice for my cleanse is gonna pay!” isn’t a confrontation; it’s a threat. Asking, “What’s your problem, Ethyl?!” at softball practice isn’t a confrontation; it’s an outburst. (Anyway, she can block the base path because she had the ball and applied a tag. Also, she’s like 82, so maybe lay off.)

We think of confrontation as an aggressive thing, but it shouldn’t be a defensive maneuver or a counterattack. A healthy, fruitful confrontation is marked by empathy, calm and commitment. Also: a smidgen of hostility. But only a smidgen. 

Going in

The first thing is: This is up to you. Not your boss. Not HR. Confrontation is all or nothing. If you’re

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur10 min read
The Fastest-Growing Franchises
If you’re looking for a franchise brand to buy, you’re surely asking yourself this question: Which brands are worth my time and money? There are many ways to answer that, but here’s a useful starting point: Look at the brands with major traction. Tha
Entrepreneur2 min read
3 Ways to Build Real Businesses on the Side
If you have marketable skills, but you aren’t sure how to spin them into a business, try teaming up with someone from an entirely different industry. Together, you could pinpoint opportunities for innovation. That’s what Gene Caballero did. Back in 2
Entrepreneur3 min read
What’s the Real Damage?
Miri Offir knows how to talk to people in crisis. After serving in the Israeli military, she came to the U.S. in 2003 and took a secretary job at the post-disaster recovery franchise 911 Restoration. She worked her way up—eventually becoming the comp

Related Books & Audiobooks