Friendly fire is fire coming from one’s own side. This situation is seen in the workplace when a co-worker is angry and starts rumors or goes to a supervisor instead of directly to their peer. Friendly fire is hurtful and causes disunity in organizations or relationships.
When you are upset with a fellow team member, what should you do?
Go directly to the team member
Communicate clearly your issue
Seek understanding without being accusatory
Make your goal to restore the relationship
When you are the person being confronted by another team member, what should you do?
Thank the person for coming to you
Listen
Do not get defensive
Say your are sorry/make it right
When you are the supervisor, and a team member comes to you about someone else, what do you do?
Direct them to the person they have a problem with (unless it is illegal or unethical)
Let them know you will be glad to discuss the issue/concern with them after they have met with the person; however, the meeting will include everyone
Support them
