Here's how you can address personal conflicts between employees in a small business.

This is something I nip in the bud immediately. I would meet with the parties together, inform them that I am aware of the conflict, ask for information/input them and if there is anything I can do to assist (clearer directions/job delineation etc) then finally, making it crystal clear the conflict cannot and will not continue. Either they find a way or one will no longer be employed (and longest on job doesn’t guarantee future employment). In a small company and especially in my industry, harmony is everything. I do reconciliation from the stage. I cannot also have conflict in my office. It works and staff appreciate it. (15 years and counting).

When personal conflicts arise, it's crucial to consider the identities and intersections of those involved to ensure biases or deeper issues aren't at play. Recognizing a conflict early and understanding its roots in systemic inequities is vital. As a mediator, create a space where employees feel safe expressing their concerns, especially those from marginalized groups such as people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals. This approach fosters an equitable and inclusive workplace, showing your dedication to addressing not just the surface issues but also the underlying dynamics that affect your team.

Identify the root cause by listening both side.promote open communication (motivate employee to speak directly with each others).Set clear policies and expectation and creating positive work environment through team building rewarding

Encourage open dialogue: Provide a safe space for employees to discuss their differences, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and active listening. Mediate conflict: If necessary, act as a mediator between employees, helping them find common ground and negotiate a solution that works for both parties.

I agree that early acknowledgment and mediation is important. Pay attention to the frequency of occurrence and the people/person involved. Be quick to neutralize the germ attempting to fester into something that can be too harmful for the workplace.

After one person expresses their side of things, have the other person repeat what they heard. Sometimes it is as simple as they are not communicating clearly. When I ran into a situation like this, the person that I had issues with and I setup a weekly time to touch base and clear up the air. As time went on, we understood each other better and were able have more effective communication.

First, I want to agree with everything all the experts have said. But, If I can get one person to tell the other person what they like about them, and then get the other person to reciprocate by sharing what they like about the first person, it tends to change their relationship.

Clear communication is so important in addressing personal conflicts between employees in a small business. It prevents issues from escalating, promotes understanding, builds trust, facilitates solutions, maintains morale, enhances accountability, and encourages a positive business culture. As a small business owner, fostering an environment where clear communication is the norm will lead to a happier and more productive workplace.

Clear communication is essential in implementing solutions to conflicts between employees in a small business. It ensures that the solutions are clear so there is no uncertainty, it defines expectations for employees moving forward, provides a roadmap for implementing the solutions you've come up with, facilitates buy-in by the employees, encourages feedback so the employees feel like their voices are being heard, ensures employee accountability, and promotes a positive culture where employees feel like conflicts are resolved transparently and fairly.