By Jacob Davis
CSMS Magazine
General Ulysses S. Grant once said, “There never was a time, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of the sword.” At times, reasonable people will disagree. Conflict within a department can tear it apart. Leaders must step in and solve the conflict before it has a chance to adversely affect the whole unit. Conflict developing between departments is handled the same way-with your equal in the other department.
The important thing here is to be willing and able to handle conflict in an effective and timely fashion. Naturally, the conflict must always be handled with a fair and equitable solution for all concerned. Leaving both sides as winners when the conflict ends is the work of a true leader.
Caring about employees
Sir Walter Gilbey tells us that “the employer generally gets the employees he deserves.” True leaders care about the employees they lead. Employees are people, not machines. Leaders know and understand their people. They treat them with dignity and respect. They protect them from abuses and help them with problems they are understanding and accessible to them. Leaders have respect for their employees and their abilities. People want to work in a safe and healthy environment. It is up to the leaders to make sure that they do. Even if they have to protect employees from themselves at times by enforcing safety rules.
